but I soon heartened him up. We had a beef-steak together, and then came off here: glad to find you alive and merry."
Scott could not restrain his laughter; but Charles sat gloomily folding and unfolding the skin of shagreen, which he had taken from his pocket.
"I must say good night," said the solicitor, who had just finished the last glass of claret; "I keep regular hours—always at home by twelve, and have a long way to go. I will call on you to-morrow—ten o'clock precisely—Mr. Smythe: we have not a little business to settle. Good night!"
"And good night, gentlemen," added the auctioneer; and then, addressing Charles more particularly, "I have a large amount to make up by the 15th of this month, so hope you won't forget our little account. I am sure you won't grudge the money, considering the luck the skin has brought you. Wish you joy of your good fortune!"
"And I wish," exclaimed Charles, "that you may break your neck going down stairs."
This kind farewell was, however, lost on its object, who had just closed the door.
"What a lucky fellow you are! I congratulate you from my heart," said Scott.
"This accursed skin!" exclaimed Charles.
"Why, you are not silly enough to think that has any thing to do with it! By the by, how shamefully that rascally auctioneer has taken you in! He knew of the will beforehand, and has
