(_A Story of the Long Vacation._)
"MR. BRIEFLESS," said an eminent solicitor to me the other day, "I
want you to go to East Babbleton, in Guiltshire, to see if the Great
Gooseberry Will case is still open. It is a matter of vital importance,
and I shall be glad if you can attend to it to-morrow."
Referring to PORTINGTON, I found that my diary was clear for the day
specified, and I expressed my willingness to carry out my client's
instructions.
"I must know at once," continued the gentleman, "because I desire to
bring the matter before the Vacation Judge on an originating summons. I
need scarcely add, that you will get the fullest particulars from the
parish clerk."
Although rather imperfectly instructed, I determined to visit East
Babbleton. The usual sources of railway information led me to believe
that the place was six or seven miles distant from Nearvices in
Guiltshire. I determined to go to Nearvices, taking with me my two
lads (home for the holidays), GEORGE LEWIS HERSCHELL and EDWARD CLARKE
RUSSELL. Before now I have explained that my sons' Christian names
have been selected with a view to assisting (in after years) their
professional advancement. We had to start at an unusually early hour
from London, and after enjoying the companionship of some sportsmen,
who talked about "duck" and "roots" for a quarter of a day, arrived
at Nearvices at eleven o'clock. I made at once for the Red Lion, the
principal hotel in the town. My sons followed me, eager for breakfast.
Until then, they had satisfied their appetite by the stealthy
consumption of about half-a-pound of a sweetmeat that is, I believe,
known as Japanese Almond Rock.
The "Red Lion" was in a state of great commotion. There were people
in high hats at the door, people in high hats looking out of the
coffee-room window, people in high hats thronging the hall. With some
trouble my lads and I got our breakfast, then I asked for the ostler.
He came to me after a pause and awaited my orders.
"I want a trap to take me over to East Babbleton," I said; "and should
like to know how much it will cost."
"Very sorry, Sir, but, I can't do it for you. All the carriages in the
house are hired. You know, Sir, Miss SMITH is going to be married, and
consequently you can't get a conveyance for love or money."