if there is any, is mine. It's better
that a female should be spared it.«
    With deference to the better opinion of Mr. Brass, and more particularly to
the authority of his Great Ancestor, it may be doubted, with humility, whether
the elevating principle laid down by the latter gentleman, and acted upon by his
descendant, is always a prudent one, or attended in practice with the desired
results. This is, beyond question, a bold and presumptuous doubt, inasmuch as
many distinguished characters, called men of the world, long-headed customers,
knowing dogs, shrewd fellows, capital hands at business, and the like, have
made, and do daily make, this axiom their polar star and compass. Still, the
doubt may be gently insinuated. And in illustration it may be observed, that if
Mr. Brass, not being over-suspicious, had, without prying and listening, left
his sister to manage the conference on their joint behalf, or prying and
listening, had not been in such a mighty hurry to anticipate her (which he would
not have been, but for his distrust and jealousy), he would probably have found
himself much better off in the end. Thus, it will always happen that these men
of the world, who go through it in armour, defend themselves from quite as much
good as evil; to say nothing of the inconvenience and absurdity of mounting
guard with a microscope at all times, and of wearing a coat of mail on the most
innocent occasions.
    The three gentlemen spoke together apart, for a few moments. At the end of
their consultation, which was very brief, the notary pointed to the writing
materials on the table, and informed Mr. Brass that if he wished to make any
statement in writing, he had the opportunity of doing so. At the same time he
felt bound to tell him that they would require his attendance, presently, before
a justice of the peace, and that in what he did or said, he was guided entirely
by his own discretion.
    »Gentlemen,« said Brass, drawing off his gloves, and crawling in spirit upon
the ground before them, »I will justify the tenderness with which I know I shall
be treated; and as, without tenderness, I should, now that this discovery has
been made, stand in the worst position of the three, you may depend upon it I
will make a clean breast. Mr. Witherden, sir, a kind of faintness is upon my
spirits - if you would do me the favour to ring
