“At that hour, or not at all,” said John Law, calmly.  “At that time I shall perhaps be at my lodgings, 59 Bradwell Street, West.  As I have said to you, I am not clad as I could wish.  It is not a matter of your convenience, but of mine own.”

“But, sir,” expostulated the other, “you order of the best.  Nothing, I am sure, save the utmost of good workmanship would please you.  I should like a month of time upon these garments, in order to make them worthy of yourself.  Moreover, there are orders of the nobility already in our hands will occupy us more than past the time you name.  Make it three weeks, sir, and I promise—­”

His customer only shook his head and reiterated, “You heard me well.”

The tailor, sore puzzled, not wishing to lose a customer who came so well recommended, and yet hesitating at the exactions of that customer, sat with perplexity written upon his brow.

“So!” exclaimed Law.  “Sir Arthur Pembroke told me that you were a clever fellow and could execute exact any order I might give you.  Now it appears to me you are like everybody else.  You prate only of hardships and of impossibilities.”

The perspiration fairly stood out on the forehead of the man of trade.

“Sir,” said he, “I should be glad to please not only a friend of Sir Arthur Pembroke, but also a gentleman of such parts as yourself.  I hesitate to promise—­”

“But you must promise,” said John Law.

“Well, then, I do promise!  I will have this apparel at your place on the day which you name.  ’Tis most extraordinary, but the order shall be executed.”

“As I thought,” said John Law.

“But I must thank you besides,” resumed the tradesman.  “In good truth I must say that of all the young gentlemen who come hither—­and I may show the names of the best nobility of London and of some ports beyond seas—­there hath never stepped within these doors a better figure than yourself—­nay, not so good.  And I am a judge of men.”

Law looked at him carelessly.

“You shall make me none the easier, nor yourself the easier, by soft speech,” said he, “if you have not these garments ready by the time appointed.  Send them, and you shall have back the fifty sovereigns by the messenger, with perhaps a coin or so in addition if all be well.”

“The air of this nobility!” said the tailor, but smiling with pleasure none the less.  “This is, perhaps, some affair with a lady?” he added.

“’Tis an affair with a lady, and also with certain gentlemen.”

“Oh, so,” said the tailor.  “If it he, forsooth, an enterprise with a lady, methinks I know the outcome now.”  He gazed with professional pride upon the symmetrical figure before him.  “You shall be all the better armed when well fitted in my garments.  Not all London shall furnish a properer figure of a man, nor one better clad, when I shall have done with you, sir.”

Law but half heard him, for he was already turning toward the door, where he beckoned again for his waiting chair.