Christmas had passed,--and had passed uncomfortably enough at Popham Villa, in which retreat neither of the three young ladies was at present very happy,--when Sir Thomas was invited by Mr. Trigger to take further steps with reference to the petitions. It was thought necessary that there should be a meeting in the conservative interest, and it was suggested that this meeting should take place in Sir Thomas's chambers. Mr. Trigger in making the proposition seemed to imply that a great favour was thereby conferred on Sir Thomas,--as that country is supposed to be most honoured which is selected as the meeting-ground for plenipotentiaries when some important international point requires to be settled. Sir Thomas could not see the arrangement in that light, and would have shuffled out of the honour had it been possible. But it was not possible. At this period of the year Mr. Griffenbottom had no house in town, and Mr. Trigger explained that it was inexpedient that such meetings should take place at hotels. There was no place so fitting as a lawyer's chambers. Sir Thomas, who regarded as a desecration the entrance of one such man as Mr. Trigger into his private room, and who was particularly anxious not to fall into any intimacy with Mr. Griffenbottom, was driven to consent, and at one o'clock on the 29th, Stemm was forced to admit the deputation. The deputation from Percycross consisted of Mr. Trigger, Mr. Spicer, and Mr. Pile; but with them came also the senior sitting member. At first they were all very grave, and Sir Thomas asked them, indiscreetly, whether they would take a glass of sherry. Pile and Spicer immediately acceded to this proposition, and sherry was perhaps efficacious in bringing about speedy conversation. "Well, Underwood," said Mr. Griffenbottom, "it seems that after all we are to have these d---- petitions." Sir Thomas lifted his left foot on his right knee, and nursed his leg,--but said nothing. On one point he was resolved;--nothing on earth should induce him to call his colleague Griffenbottom. "No doubt about that, Mr. Griffenbottom," said Mr. Pile, "--that is, unless we can make Westmacott right. T'other chap wouldn't be of much account." "Mr. Pile, you're going a little too fast," said Trigger. "No, I ain't," said Mr. Pile. But for the moment he allowed himself to be silenced. "We don't like the looks of it at Percycross," said Mr. Spicer. "And why don't we like the looks of it?" asked Sir Thomas. "I don't know what your idea of pleasure is," said Mr. Griffenbottom, "but I don't take delight in spending money for nothing. I have spent enough, I can tell you, and I don't mean to spend much more. My seat was as safe as the Church." "But they have petitioned against that as well as mine," said Sir Thomas. "Yes;--they have. And now what's to be done?" "I don't know whether Sir Thomas is willing to take the whole cost of the defence upon himself," said Mr. Trigger, pouring out for himself a second glass of sherry.