“Ah, yes, to be sure—­so there are,” cried Theodore Augustus.

“We surely cannot hesitate to apply to them.  Our name stands—­and deservedly so—­very high.  They will be glad to accommodate us with a temporary loan.  We will avail ourselves of it—­say for three months.  That will give us time to turn about us, and to prepare ourselves against similar unpleasant casualties.  See what we want, Mr Allcraft:  let the sum be raised in London without delay, and let us look forward with the hearts of men.”

“Capital, capital,” continued Brammel; “I second that motion.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Mr Bellamy, with a gracious smile.  “There remains then to consider only who shall be the favoured individual deputed to this important business.  One of us must certainly go to London, and I do think it due to our youngest member, Brammel, to concede to him the honour of representing us in the metropolis.  No offence will, I trust, be taken by our other friends, and I hope that in my zeal for Mr Brammel, I shall not be suspected of betraying an undue preference.”

Mr Bellamy turned towards Augustus Theodore with an almost affectionate expression of countenance, as he spoke these words; but perceived, to his mortification, that the latter, instead of being pleasantly affected by his address, wriggled in his chair most impatiently, and assumed the complexion and aspect of a man with whom something has suddenly and violently disagreed.

“No—­no—­no!” he bellowed out, as soon as he could; “none of that soft-soap, Mr Bellamy; make up your mind at once—­I sha’n’t go.  I can’t borrow money.  I do not know how to do it.  I don’t want the honour, thank you.  It’s very good of you, and I am much obliged to you—­that’s a fact.  But you’ll look out for some body else, if you please.  I beg to say I decline—­pos”—­

Mr Bellamy cast upon Theodore one of his natural and annihilating glances, and said deliberately,

“Mr Brammel, for the first time in your life you are honoured by being made a useful individual.  You are to go to London.—­Go you shall”—­

“Go, I sha’n’t,” answered Brammel, in his accustomed easy style and manner.

“Very well.  You are aware, Mr Brammel, that your respected parent has yet to be made acquainted with sundry lively doings of your own, which you would rather, I believe, keep from his ears at present; you likewise are aware that if any thing happens to the serious injury of the bank through your imprudence—­your inheritance from that respected parent would be dearly purchased for a shilling.  I shall be sorry to hurt your feelings, or your pocket.  I have no wish to do it; but depend upon me, sir, your father shall be a wiser man to-night, if you are obstinate and disobedient.”

“I can’t borrow money—­I can’t—­I don’t know how to do it,” said Brammel peevishly.

“And who reproaches you for your inability, my dear sir,” said Bellamy coaxingly.  “No one, I am sure.  You shall be taught.  Every thing shall be made easy and agreeable.  You will carry your credentials from the house, and your simple task shall be beforehand well explained to you.”