Mr. Crobble had promised that I should continue my studies, being much pleased with the proof I had been fortunate enough to give him of my progress, generously offering to defray the charges of tuition; and I found in my new place, even more time than when in the employ of Mr. Timmis:  for, indeed, half-a-clerk would have been sufficient to have conducted the whole business.

I was no less surprised at the unusual abruptness of approach, than at the extraordinary excitement apparent in the manner of Monsieur Dubois; for he always boasted of his coolness and philosophy under all circumstances.

“Peace, peace!—­’mon cher ami’—­peace is proclaim”—­cried he, raising his hat and his eyes to the dingy ceiling of our office—­“Grace a Dieu!—­le tyran Napoleon—­le charlatan est renverse de son piedestal—­oui, mon eleve—­I vill see, again once more my dear France!”

He grasped my hand in his ecstasy, and tears filled his eyes to overflowing.  I had heard rumours of the restoration of the Bourbons, but I had not anticipated the loss of my inestimable tutor.

I was almost ashamed of my selfishness; but vanquished my feelings so far as to congratulate him on his prospects, with as much cordiality and appearance of truth as I could assume.

“I trust, however,” said I, “that restored to your country, and your friends, you will find that happiness you so much deserve.  Go where you will, you will be followed by the regrets of your English friends.”

“Ah! les Anglais!—­’combien’—­how motch ‘reconnaissance?’” said he, “I vill have for them!  I sall them forget nevare!”

Mr. Crobble interrupted our colloquy.  “All right t’other side the channel, Mounseer,” cried be, elated; “we’ve licked Boney:  he’s done up; stocks are up; and Timmis, (your old master, Andrew) is as busy as a bee —­only he’s making money instead of honey!”

He shook hands with Monsieur Dubois; and congratulated him upon the restoration of Louis the Eighteenth.

I mentioned to him Monsieur Dubois’ intention of proceeding immediately to France.  “He’s right,” cried he; “let every man stick to his King and his country; and I say”—­he suddenly checked himself, and beckoning me aside, continued in an under tone—­“Andrew, you understand this Mounseer better than I do; he appears a good fellow in the main:  if he should want a lift, to fit him out for the voyage, or any thing of that sort, tell him Corny Crobble will lend him a hand, for old acquaintance sake; I shan’t stick at a matter of forty or fifty pound—­you understand—­put it to him, as a matter of business; for that’ll suit his proud stomach best, perhaps”—­then, turning to Monsieur, he said, “Excuse whispering before company, Mounseer Dubois.  Good morning.”

“Bon jour, Monsieur,” replied Dubois, making my obese governor one of his most graceful bows.

I was highly gratified at being selected as the medium of this generous offer; which Monsieur Dubois received without hesitation, as one who intended to repay it; but, at the same time, with the most grateful acknowledgments of Mr. Crobble’s considerate kindness.