In this event he would patiently await the receipt of tidings from that county.
I went straight from Gray's Inn to Jewin-street.

I had spent the greater part of the day in Sheldon's office, and when I presented myself before my complacent Sparsfield junior, Sparsfield senior's tea and toast were already in process of preparation; and I was again invited to step upstairs to the family sitting-room, and again treated with that Arcadian simplicity of confidence and friendliness which it has been my fate to encounter quite as often in the heart of this sophisticated city as in the most pastoral of villages.

With people who were so frank and cordial I could but be equally frank.
"I am afraid I am making myself a nuisance to you, Mr.Sparsfield," I said; "but I know you'll forgive me when I tell you that the affair I'm engaged in is a matter of vital importance to me, and that your help may do a great deal towards bringing matters to a crisis." Mr.Sparsfield senior declared himself always ready to assist his fellow-creatures, and was good enough further to declare that he had taken a liking to me.

So weak had I of late become upon all matters of sentiment, I thanked Mr.Sparsfield for his good opinion, and then went on to tell him that I was about to test his memory.
"And it ain't a bad un," he cried, cheerily, clapping his hand upon his knee by way of emphasis.

"It ain't a bad memory, is it, Tony ?" "Few better, father," answered the dutiful Anthony junior.