d all
this to see something which half of them, when they got there, if they
were so fortunate, could not obtain a sight of. So that, perhaps, we
have been quite as well off in remaining at home."

~~420~~~ "That was spoken like a philosopher," said Sparkle,
dryly.--"But pray, who is to be the future possessor of this fine
estate?"

"A Mr. Farquhar, who, according to the best information I have obtained,
is a man of an extraordinary character, and has given 330,000L. for it
as it stands, with every article in the Abbey except the family plate
and pictures, and a few very favourite rarities. Some interesting
particulars of the purchaser have recently been made known; from which
it appears, that he is a native of Aberdeen, and went out early in life
to India, where he was employed in the medical department. Chemical
research was his favourite pursuit: there was some defect in the manner
of manufacturing gunpowder, and Mr. Farquhar was selected to give his
assistance. By degrees, he obtained the management of the concern, and
finally he became the sole contractor to the government. In this way
wealth and distinction rapidly poured in upon him. After some years of
labour, he returned to England with half a million of money; and it is
somewhat curious that a man possessed of so much money upon his arrival
at Gravesend, should, merely to save the expense of coach-hire, walk up
to London; which, however, it appears he did, when his first visit,
very naturally, was to his banker. Without waiting for refreshment or
alteration of attire, full of dust and dirt, with clothes not worth a
guinea, he presented himself at the counter, and asked for Mr. Coutts.
The clerks, not much prepossessed in his favour by his appearance,
disregarded his application; and he was suffered to remain in the
cash-office under the idea of his being some poor petitioner, until Mr.
Coutts, passing through it, recognized his Indian customer, the man whom
he expected to see with all the pomp of a nabob. Mr. Farquhar requested
to have five pounds; which having received, he took his departure. This
anecdote strongly marks the character and habits of the man. He soon
afterwards settled in Upper Baker-street, where his house was to be
distinguished by its dingy appearance, uncleaned windows, and general
neglect. An old woman was his sole attendant; and his apartment, to
which a brush or broom was never applied, was kept sacred from her care.
His neighbours wer