Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/95

 and conforming disposition. Therefore I make my subscription to the things that are. I have none of the reformer's zeal; and it is one of the things for which I am thankful."

At this stage of the conversation the voice of the cabman was heard from the roof.

"We're in Norbiton, sir. Which house?"

"Straight on to the end of the road," said Mr. Whitcomb; "then first to the right, second to the left, and it is the first house you come to at the corner of Avenue Road."

"How quickly we've come," said Northcote. "One would not have thought it possible to cover the distance in this time; with a tired horse, too."

"The sound of your own voice may have been as agreeable to you," said the solicitor, "as it has been to me. I confess it has passed the time very well."

Northcote deduced from the more indulgent air of his companion that this imperious personality of his, of whose possession he was so conscious and upon which he built so much, had not been without an effect. He was thinking of the victory that he felt sure would crown his tenacity, when the hansom drew up at the gate of a very comfortable-looking suburban residence. It was girt with a high stone wall, and stood in a pleasant plot of ground amid tall trees.

As they got out of the hansom, the solicitor, after searching his pockets in leisurely fashion, collected four shillings and a sixpence and handed them up to the cabman on his perch.

"Wot's this 'ere?" said the cabman gruffly.