except when he went to
Margate one Saturday with Mr. Tomkinley that had been a teacher at that school
he went to, and came back upon the Monday; but he was very ill after that, you
remember, my dear; it was quite a dissipation.«
    »He was not used to it, you know,« said the old lady, »and he couldn't bear
it, that's the truth. Besides he had no comfort in being there without us, and
had nobody to talk to or enjoy himself with.«
    »That was it, you know,« interposed the same small quiet voice that had
spoken once before. »I was quite abroad, mother, quite desolate, and to think
that the sea was between us - oh, I never shall forget what I felt when I first
thought that the sea was between us!«
    »Very natural under the circumstances,« observed the Notary. »Mr. Abel's
feelings did credit to his nature, and credit to your nature, ma'am, and his
father's nature, and human nature. I trace the same current now, flowing through
all his quiet and unobtrusive proceedings. - I am about to sign my name, you
observe, at the foot of the articles which Mr. Chuckster will witness; and
placing my finger upon this blue wafer with the vandyked corners, I am
constrained to remark in a distinct tone of voice - don't be alarmed, ma'am, it
is merely a form of law - that I deliver this, as my act and deed. Mr. Abel will
place his name against the other wafer, repeating the same cabalistic words, and
the business is over. Ha ha ha! You see how easily these things are done!«
    There was a short silence, apparently, while Mr. Abel went through the
prescribed form, and then the shaking of hands and shuffling of feet were
renewed, and shortly afterwards there was a clinking of wine-glasses and a great
talkativeness on the part of everybody. In about a quarter of an hour Mr.
Chuckster (with a pen behind his ear and his face inflamed with wine) appeared
at the door, and condescending to address Kit by the jocose appellation of
»Young Snob,« informed him that the visitors were coming out.
    Out they came forthwith; Mr. Witherden, who was short, chubby,
fresh-coloured, brisk, and pompous, leading the old lady with extreme
politeness, and the father and son following them, arm in arm. Mr.
