our to apologise for me to Mr Masterton for my having used such an
expression in my unfortunate warmth of temper--I am ashamed of myself."

"My dearest father, no man need be ashamed who is so ready to make
honourable reparation:--we are all a little out of temper at times."

"You have been a kind friend to me, Japhet, as well as a good son,"
replied my father, with some emotion. "Don't forget the apology at all
events: I shall be unhappy until it be made."

PART THREE, CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

TREATS OF APOLOGIES, AND LOVE COMING FROM CHURCH--WE FINESSE WITH THE
NABOB TO WIN ME A WIFE--I AM SUCCESSFUL IN MY SUIT, YET THE LAWYER IS
STILL TO PLAY THE CARDS TO ENABLE ME TO WIN THE GAME.

I arrived at Mr Masterton's, and walked into his room, when whom should
I find in company with him but Harcourt.

"Japhet, I'm glad to see you: allow me to introduce you to Mr
Harcourt--Mr De Benyon," and the old gentleman grinned maliciously, but
I was not to be taken aback.

"Harcourt," said I, extending my hand, "I have to apologise to you for a
rude reception and for unjust suspicions, but I was vexed at the time--
if you will admit that as an excuse."

"My dear Japhet," replied Harcourt, taking my hand and shaking it
warmly, "I have to apologise to you for much more unworthy behaviour,
and it will be a great relief to my mind if you will once more enrol me
in the list of your friends."

"And now, Mr Masterton," said I, "as apologies appear to be the order
of the day, I bring you one from the general, who has requested me to
make one to you for having called you `an old thief of a lawyer,' of
which he was totally ignorant until I reminded him of it to-day."

Harcourt burst into a laugh.

"Well, Japhet, you may tell your old tiger, that I did not feel
particularly affronted, as I took his expression _professionally_ and
not personally, and if he meant it in that sense, he was not far wrong.
Japhet, to-morrow is Sunday; do you go to meeting or to church?"

"I believe, sir, that I shall go to church."

"Well, then, come with me:--be here at half-past two--we will go to
evening service at Saint James's."

"I have received many invitations, but I never yet received an
invitation to go to church," replied I.

"You will hear an extra lesson of the day--a portion of Susannah and the
Elders."

I took the equivoque, which was incomprehensible to Harcourt: I hardly
need say, that the latter and I were on the best terms. Wh