You shall come here first upon trial;--see if we like each other before we sign the indentures; allow you, meanwhile, five shillings a week.

If you show talent, will see if I and Roger can settle about some little allowance.
That do, eh ?" "I thank you, sir, yes," said Philip, gratefully.

"Agreed, then.

Follow me--present you to Mrs.P." Thus saying, Mr.Plaskwith returned the letter to the pocket-book, and the pocket-book to the pocket; and, putting his arms behind his coat tails, threw up his chin, and strode through the passage into a small parlour, that locked upon a small garden.

Here, seated round the table, were a thin lady, with a squint (Mrs.Plaskwith), two little girls, the Misses Plaskwith, also with squints, and pinafores; a young man of three or four-and-twenty, in nankeen trousers, a little the worse for washing, and a black velveteen jacket and waistcoat.