e, until the last year, has not exceeded
200L. per annum, although his possessions, money in the funds, and
capital in trade, are said to amount to a million and a half!"

"Why, he is an oddity indeed," exclaimed Tallyho, "and I think he ought
to be exhibited as the eighth wonder of the world."

"Certainly we cannot look upon the like every day: there are instances,
it is said, of his having returned letters merely because the postage
was not paid, although he has, on more than one or two occasions, given
away, at once, for praise-worthy purposes, ten and twenty thousand
pounds."

"Then," rejoined Sparkle, "he is a trump, and deserves to be
respected:--but where are we bound to?"

"Nay," replied Tom, "I have no choice upon the subject."

"Nor I neither," said Gayfield, stepping smartly up to him, and catching
him by the hand--"so come along--I'll guide you to good quarters and
comfortable accommodation.--Dine with me, and we will have a cut in at
whist.--What say you?"

This proposition was acceded to, and away they went to Gayfield's
apartments, where a very hospitable and friendly entertainment was
presented to them with every mark of a hearty welcome. In the evening,
the glass circulated freely, and cards being introduced, they enjoyed an
agreeable and pleasant game, at which nothing particular occurred; after
which they jumped into a rattler, and were conveyed home, very well
satisfied with every attention they had received from Gayfield, except
the eternal rattle of his tongue.

CHAPTER XXXIII

"The proper study of mankind in food."

~~423~~~
Next morning, while our party were at breakfast, who should make his
appearance but Gayfield, whose elasticity of spirits, and volubility of
tongue, appeared, if possible, to have acquired an additional impulse of
action.

"My dear fellow," he commenced, addressing Bob, "as you are so soon
about to leave us, I feel anxious you should carry with you all the
information possible on that interesting subject, Life in London. Long
as your stay in the Metropolis has been, still, where the subjects
are so varying--so ever varying--so multifarious--and the field for
observation so unlimited, it is impossible but that something must have
escaped your notice.

"I have been scribbling to a friend in the country, whom I occasionally
endeavour to amuse with "Sketches of Scenes in London;" and, as I
flatter myself, it exhibits something of novelty both in char