his salary Bolt found enlarged, and as his time had been principally taken up with the issuing of orders, so was it thereafter to be arranging certain payments.  Isaacs, the Hebrew gentleman who took corners of advance checks for the convenience of his very aristocratic friends was seen frequently about the premises, looking very serious.  Six months passed and circumstances were changed with Bolt.  The Countess Longblower no longer permitted him to sit at her side and play with the poodle; his fair admirers had lost all their compliments; and it became absolutely necessary that Mrs. Bolt return to the more humble precincts of her home on the other side of the water.  When Peppers called for that trifle of ninety-seven guineas—­pay for that necklace that shone so about Mrs. Bolt’s neck when at Court—­it was curious to see how the genius of Mr. Bolt would come out; and how in conjunction with Thomas’ sagacity quite a comedy of sharps would be played.  Thomas tended door, was rather sleepy of countenance, but could assume an air of great consequence, and would receive his importuning visitor with unexceptional bows.  ’Peppers I think you said?’ Thomas would politely inquire, smoothing his chin reflectively, giving his ear a knowing cant, and concluding by whisking his fingers through his powdered hair.  ’Mr. Peppers presents a little affair this morning;’ he would announce blandly, having left the gentleman standing in the hall.  Mr. Bolt, who occupied a sumptuous arm-chair in the parlor, and generally sat reading leisurely the Morning Post, would receive this announcement with some change of countenance.  ‘Peppers!  Peppers!’ he would reiterate, Thomas watching his every movement.  ’Blast the fellow—­he’s a perfect torment’—­Thomas would interrupt by inquiring if he should bow the individual out.  ‘Say, Thomas,’ he would rejoin, ’that we are engaged to-day studying treaties and cannot be disturbed—­that he must call at a future day.’  Mr. Bolt would with great complacency, turn to a more comfortable position in his great chair.  Thomas always executed his mission with great skill, informing the unfortunate individual that a little misunderstanding having broken out between the two nations, the Legation was extremely busy in the study of treaties, and could not be disturbed.  Having digested this piece of information rather doggedly, Mr. Thomas would politely bow the gentleman into the street, watching his departure through the side lights.  Another time, when Broadwood called for that trifle, having a deal of ready money to make up, it was despatch day; and upon the same principle despatch day came so often that people began to think the Great Republic engaged in one eternal controversy with the nations of Europe.  Bolt never could be seen on despatch days.  The man with the bill for the tin-teapot was alike unsuccessful; the gentlemen up-stairs walled themselves up in despatch days, while Thomas politely bowed out all-importuners.  They were a scurvy