it, I have posted down to yesterday," and the landlord left the room.
"You were both of one mind, at all events," said Timothy, laughing; "for
he had the bill in his hand, and concealed it the moment you asked for
it."
In about ten minutes the landlord re-appeared, and presenting the bill
upon a salver, made his bow and retired. I looked it over, it amounted
to L104, which, for little more than three weeks, was pretty well.
Timothy shrugged up his shoulders, while I ran over the items. "I do not
see that there is anything to complain of, Tim," observed I, when I came
to the bottom of it; "but I do see that living here, with the Major
keeping me an open house, will never do. Let us see how much money we
have left."
Tim brought the dressing-case in which our cash was deposited, and we
found, that after paying the waiters, and a few small bills not yet
liquidated, our whole stock was reduced to fifty shillings.
"Merciful Heaven! what an escape," cried Timothy; "if it had not been
for this new supply, what should we have done?"
"Very badly, Timothy; but the money is well spent, after all. I have now
entrance into the first circles. I can do without Major Carbonnell; at
all events, I shall quit this hotel, and take furnished apartments, and
live at the clubs. I know how to put him off."
I laid the money on the salver, and desired Timothy to ring for the
landlord, when who should come up but the Major and Harcourt. "Why,
Newland! what are you going to do with that money?" said the Major.
"I am paying my bill, Major."
"Paying your bill, indeed; let us see--L104. O this is a confounded
imposition. You mustn't pay this." At this moment the landlord entered.
"Mr Wallace," said the Major, "my friend Mr Newland was about, as you
may see, to pay you the whole of your demand; but allow me to observe,
that being my very particular friend, and the Piazza having been
particularly recommended by me, I do think that your charges are
somewhat exorbitant. I shall certainly advise Mr Newland to leave the
house to-morrow, if you are not more reasonable."
"Allow me to observe, Major, that my reason for sending for my bill, was
to pay it before I went into the country, which I must do to-morrow, for
a few days."
"Then I shall certainly recommend Mr Newland not to come here when he
returns, Mr Wallace, for I hold myself, to a certain degree, after the
many dinners we have ordered here, and of which I have partaken, as I
ma
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