and good credit, _cut up_ at his death for near four
hundred thousand pounds, and left his name in the firm to be retained
for seven years after his decease, when his posthumous share of the
profits was to be divided among his grand-children. As he generally
travelled for orders himself, he was proverbial for despatch; and has
been known to call a customer up in the morning at four o'clock to
settle his account, or disturb his repose in the night, if old Francis
was determined to make a lamp of the moon, and pursue his route. A very
humorous story is related of him. Arriving at Benson, near Henley, on a
Sunday morning, just as his customer, a Mr. Newberry, had proceeded
to Church, old Francis was very importunate to prevail upon the
servant-maid to call him out, in order that he might proceed to Oxford
that night: after much persuasion she was induced to accompany him to
the church, to point out the pew where her master sat. At their entrance
the eccentric figure of the tea-broker caused a general movement of
recognition among the congregation; but Francis, ~130~~nothing abashed,
was proceeding up the aisle with his cash instead of prayer-book in his
hand, when his attention was arrested by the clergyman's text, 'Paul we
know, and Silas we know, but who art thou?' The singular coincidence
of the words, added to the authoritative style of the pastor, quite
staggered Francis Garrett, who, however, quickly recovering, made a low
bow, and then, in a true business-like style, proceeded to, apologize to
the reverend and congregation for this seeming want of respect, adding
he was only old Francis Garrett, of Thames-street, the tea broker, whom
every body knew, come to settle a small account with his friend Mr.
Newberry. The eccentricity of the man was notorious, and this, perhaps,
better than the apology, induced the clergyman to overlook the offence;
but the story will long be remembered by the good people of Benson,
and never fail to create a laugh in the commercial room among the merry
society of gentlemen travellers. The son, who has deservedly risen to
the highest civic honours, is a worthy and highly honourable man, whose
conduct since he has been elected lord mayor reflects great credit upon
his fellow citizens' choice."--We had now mounted the steps which lead
to the Stock Exchange, or, as Principal, who, though one among them, may
be said not to be one of them, observed, we had arrived at the _wolves'
den_, "the secret