hen I want
money, or get into difficulties of any kind; and that if I will promise
him that this shall be the case, I need never be afraid of asking for
too much, as he should be really annoyed were I to stint myself."

"What a pattern for fathers!" exclaimed Coleman, rubbing his hands. "I
only wish my old dad would test my obedience in that sort of way;--I'd
take care I would ~77~~not annoy him by asking for too little; he need
not fret himself on that account. Ugh!" continued he, with a look of
intense disgust, "it's quite dreadful to think what perverted ideas he
has on the subject; he actually fancies it his business to _spend_ his
money as well as to make it; and as for sons, the less they have the
better, lest they should get into extravagant habits, forsooth! I
declare it's quite aggravating to think of the difference between
people: a cheque for three hundred pounds from a father, who'll be
annoyed if one does not always apply to him for money enough! Open the
window there! I am getting faint!"

"Don't you think there's a little difference between sons as well as
fathers, Master Fred, eh?" inquired Lawless. "I should say some sons
might be safely trusted with three-hundred-pound cheques; while others
are certain to waste two shillings, and misapply sixpence, out of every
half-crown they may get hold of."

"Sir, I scorn your insinuations; sir, you're no gentleman," was the
reply, producing (as was probably intended) an attack from Lawless,
which Coleman avoided for some time by dodging round chairs and under
tables. After the chase had lasted for several minutes Coleman, when on
the point of being captured, contrived, by a master-stroke of policy,
to substitute Mullins in his place, and the affair ended by that worthy
being knocked down by Lawless, "for always choosing to interfere with
everything," and being kicked up again by Coleman, "for having prevented
him from properly vindicating his wounded honour".

"Who's going near the Post-office, and will put a letter in for me?"
asked Oaklands.

"I am," replied Cumberland; "I've got one of my own to put in also."

"Don't forget it or lose it, for it's rather important," added Oaklands;
"but I need not caution you, you are not one of the harebrained sort; if
it had been my friend Freddy, now----"

"I'll tell you what it is, Mr. Oaklands," said Coleman, putting on an
air of offended dignity, in which, though very much exaggerated, there
was at the bottom the