Little could Darby have imagined, although perfectly aware of M'Slime's knavery, that the pious little man had just concluded "a short exercise," in performing the Swaggering Jig.

As it was, however, he found him in a state which might either be termed a religious meditation, or an intense application to business--a Bible being on the one hand, and a brief on the other; but to which of the two he had devoted himself, neither Darby, nor indeed any one else, could guess.

There, however, he sat, a kind of holy link between the law and the gospel.
When Darby entered, and delivered the letter, M'Slime on receiving it exclaimed, "Ah, from my excellent friend, M'Clutchy.

Sit down, Darby, sit down, and whilst I am casting my eye over this note, do now, in order that we may make the most of our opportunities, do, I say, Darby, just read a chapter in this--" handing him over the Bible as he spoke.

In the meantime he read as follows:-- "Strictly confidential.
"My Dear M'Slime: "In order that the thing may be done as much in the shape and form of a matter of business as possible, don't you think it would be well for you, as Harman's lease has expired, to send me a regular written proposal for it--which proposal I may be able to show in justification of myself, should anything unfavorable turn up afterwards.