and a park
in the distance, with a great thunderstorm lowering in the sky. Such
a portrait, in fact, hangs over the great sideboard at Newcome to this
day, and above the three great silver waiters, which the gratitude of as
many Companies has presented to their respected director and chairman.

In face, Hobson Newcome, Esq., was like his elder brother, but was more
portly in person. He allowed his red whiskers to grow wherever nature
had planted them, on his cheeks and under his chin. He wore thick shoes
with nails in them, or natty round-toed boots, with tight trousers and
a single strap. He affected the country gentleman in his appearance. His
hat had a broad brim, and the ample pockets of his cut-away coat were
never destitute of agricultural produce, samples of beans or corn, which
he used to bite and chew even on 'Change, or a whip-lash, or balls for
horses: in fine, he was a good old country gentleman. If it was fine in
Threadneedle Street, he would say it was good weather for the hay; if it
rained, the country wanted rain; if it was frosty, "No hunting to-day,
Tomkins, my boy," and so forth. As he rode from Bryanstone Square to the
City you would take him--and he was pleased to be so taken--for a jolly
country squire. He was a better man of business than his more solemn
and stately brother, at whom he laughed in his jocular way; and he said
rightly, that a gentleman must get up very early in the morning who
wanted to take him in.

The Colonel breaks into the sanctum of these worthy gentlemen; and each
receives him in a manner consonant with his peculiar nature. Sir Brian
regretted that Lady Anne was away from London, being at Brighton with
the children, who were all ill of the measles. Hobson said, "Maria can't
treat you to such good company as my lady could give you, but when will
you take a day and come and dine with us? Let's see, to-day's Wednesday;
to-morrow we've a party. No, we're engaged." He meant that his table
was full, and that he did not care to crowd it; but there was no use in
imparting this circumstance to the Colonel. "Friday, we dine at Judge
Budge's--queer name, Judge Budge, ain't it? Saturday, I'm going down
to Marblehead, to look after the hay. Come on Monday, Tom, and I'll
introduce you to the missus and the young 'uns."

"I will bring Clive," says Colonel Newcome, rather disturbed at this
reception. "After his illness my sister-in-law was very kind to him."

"No, hang it, don't bring bo