performed its errand so well, that within ten minutes of the

messenger's return and report of its delivery, Miss Brass herself was

announced.

Pray ma'am,' said the single gentleman, whom she found alone in the

room, 'take a chair.'

Miss Brass sat herself down, in a very stiff and frigid state, and

seemed - as indeed she was - not a little astonished to find that the

lodger and her mysterious correspondent were one and the same

person.

'You did not expect to see me?' said the single gentleman.

I didn't think much about it,' returned the beauty. 'I supposed it was

business of some kind or other. If it's about the apartments, of course

you'll give my brother regular notice, you know - or money. That's very

easily settled. You're a responsible party, and in such a case lawful

money and lawful notice are pretty much the same.'

I am obliged to you for your good opinion,' retorted the single

gentleman, 'and quite concur in these sentiments. But that is not the

subject on which I wish to speak with you.'

'Oh!' said Sally. 'Then just state the particulars, will you? I suppose

it's professional business?'

'Why, it is connected with the law, certainly.'

Very well,' returned Miss Brass. 'My brother and I are just the same. I

can take any instructions, or give you any advice.'

'As there are other parties interested besides myself,' said the single

gentleman, rising and opening the door of an inner room, 'we had

better confer together. Miss Brass is here, gentlemen.' Mr Garland and

the Notary walked in, looking very grave; and, drawing up two chairs,

one on each side of the single gentleman, formed a kind of fence

round the gentle Sarah, and penned her into a corner. Her brother

Sampson under such circumstances would certainly have evinced

some confusion or anxiety, but she - all composure - pulled out the

tin box, and calmly took a pinch of snuff.

'Miss Brass,' said the Notary, taking the word at this crisis, 'we

professional people understand each other, and, when we choose, can

say what we have to say, in very few words. You advertised a runaway

servant, the other day?'

The Old Curiosity Shop