"Very well--that does honor to your filial affection, you handsome
savage. Roundjacket, take this young man up to O'Brallaghan's
to-morrow, and have his measure taken."

"With pleasure," said Mr. Roundjacket, who had evidently taken a great
liking to Verty; "what sort of clothes?"

Mr. Rushton looked at the subject of the conversation. Verty was
gazing through the window and dreaming. A smile passed over the grim
features, and a sort of sigh issued from the compressed lips of the
lawyer.

"Three suits, Roundjacket," said Mr. Rushton; "one common, another
rich, another as elegant as O'Brallaghan can make. I really believe
this boy is going to amuse me."

"A most remarkable youth," observed the clerk, "and draws sketches
with astonishing ease."

"Ah?"

"Don't you, young man?"

Verty turned round, and interrogated Mr. Roundjacket with a look. He
had evidently not heard the question.

"There, you are dreaming again, sir," said Mr. Rushton; "this will
never do--come, write away. The idleness of this world is revolting!"
he growled, returning to his sanctum, and closing the door with a
bang.