"But you must promise," said John Law.

"Well, then, I do promise! I will have this apparel at your place on the
day which you name. 'Tis most extraordinary, but the order shall be
executed."

"As I thought," said John Law.

"But I must thank you besides," resumed the tradesman. "In good truth I
must say that of all the young gentlemen who come hither--and I may show
the names of the best nobility of London and of some ports beyond
seas--there hath never stepped within these doors a better figure than
yourself--nay, not so good. And I am a judge of men."

Law looked at him carelessly.

"You shall make me none the easier, nor yourself the easier, by soft
speech," said he, "if you have not these garments ready by the time
appointed. Send them, and you shall have back the fifty sovereigns by
the messenger, with perhaps a coin or so in addition if all be well."

"The air of this nobility!" said the tailor, but smiling with pleasure
none the less. "This is, perhaps, some affair with a lady?" he added.

"'Tis an affair with a lady, and also with certain gentlemen."

"Oh, so," said the tailor. "If it he, forsooth, an enterprise with a
lady, methinks I know the outcome now." He gazed with professional pride
upon the symmetrical figure before him. "You shall be all the better
armed when well fitted in my garments. Not all London shall furnish a