put her into the boat.  He was food for fishes now, poor fellow, and she was left alone with a great and happy career opening out before her—­a career in which her talents would have free space to work.  And yet how odd to think it:  two or three score of years and it would all be one, and she would be as Mr. Tombey was.  Poor Mr. Tombey! perhaps it was as well that he was not there to see her happiness; and let us hope that wherever it is we go after the last event we lose sight of the world and those we knew therein.  Otherwise there must be more hearts broken in heaven above than in earth beneath.

“Now, then, Miss Smithers,” broke in Dr. Probate, “for the very last time—­nobody will call you that again, you know—­take my arm; his Lordship—­I mean the parson—­is there.”

* * * * *

It was done, and they were man and wife.  Well, even the happiest marriage is always a good thing to get over.  It was not a long drive back to Hanover-square, and the very first sight that greeted them on their arrival was the infant from the City (John’s), accompanied by his brother, the infant from Pump-court (James’), who had, presumably come to show him the way, or more probably because he thought that there would be eatables going—­holding in his hand a legal-looking letter.

“Marked ‘immediate,’ Sir; so I thought that I had better serve it at once,” said the first infant, handing the letter to John.

“What is it?” asked Eustace, nervously.  He had grown to hate the sight of a lawyer’s letter with a deadly hate.

“Notice of appeal, I expect,” said John.

“Open it, man!” said Eustace, “and let’s get it over.”

Accordingly, John did so, and read as follows:—­

“MEESON V. ADDISON AND ANOTHER

“Dear Sir,—­After consultation with our clients, Messrs. Addison and Roscoe, we are enabled to make you the following offer.  If no account is required of the mesne profits”—­

“That’s a wrong term,” said James, irritably.  “Mesne profits refer to profits derived from real estate.  Just like a solicitor to make such a blunder.”

“The term is perfectly appropriate,” replied his twin, with warmth.  “There was some real estate, and, therefore, the term can properly be applied to the whole of the income.”

“For Heaven’s sake, don’t argue but get on!” said Eustace.  “Don’t you see that I am on tenterhooks?”

“—­my clients,” continued John, “are ready to undertake that no appeal shall be presented to the recent case of Meeson v.  Addison and Another.  If, however, the plaintiff insists upon an account, the usual steps will be taken to bring the matter before a higher court.—­Obediently, yours,

“NEWS AND NEWS.  John Short, Esq.

“P.S.—­An immediate reply will oblige.”

“Well, Meeson, what do you say to that?” said John; “but I beg your pardon, I forgot; perhaps you would like to take counsel’s advice,” and he pointed to James, who was rubbing his bald bead indignantly.