As they turned to cross the little rustic bridge in front of the hotel, a knot of persons moved off the path to make way for them, one of whom fixed his eyes steadily on the sick man, gazing with the keen scrutiny of intense interest; then suddenly recalling himself to recollection, he hastily retreated within the group. “You are right,” muttered he to one near him, “he _is_ 'booked;' my bond will come due before the month ends.” “And you'll be an estated gent, Herman, eh?” said a very dark-eyed, hook-nosed man at his side. “Well, I hope I shall act the part as well as my neighbors,” said Mr. Merl, with that mingled assurance and humility that made up his manner. “Was n't that Massingbred that followed them,--he that made the famous speech the other day in Parliament?” “Yes,” said Merl. “I 've got a bit of 'stiff' with his endorsement in my pocket this minute for one hundred and fifty.” “What's it worth, Merl?” “Perhaps ten shillings; but I 'd not part with it quite so cheaply. He'll not always be an M.P., and we shall see if he can afford to swagger by an old acquaintance without so much as a 'How d' ye do?'” “There, he is coming back again,” said the other. And at the same moment Massingbred walked slowly up to the spot, his easy smile upon his face, and his whole expression that of a careless, unburdened nature. “I just caught a glimpse of you as I passed, Merl,” said he, with a familiar nod; “and you were exactly the man I wanted to see.” “Too much honor, sir,” said Merl, affecting a degree of haughty distance at the familiarity of this address. Massingbred smiled at the mock dignity, and went on; “I have something to say to you. Will you give me a call this evening at the Cour de Bade, say about nine or half-past?” “I have an engagement this evening.” “Put it off, then, that's all, Master Merl, for mine is an important matter, and very nearly concerns yourself.” Merl was silent. He would have liked much to display before his friends a little of the easy dash and swagger that he had just been exhibiting, to have shown them how cavalierly he could treat a rising statesman and a young Parliamentary star of the first order; but the question crossed him, Was it safe? what might the luxury cost him? “Am I to bring that little acceptance of yours along with me?” said he, in a half whisper, while a malicious sparkle twinkled in his eye. “Why not, man? Certainly, if it gives you the least pleasure in life; only don't be later than half-past nine.” And with one of his sauciest laughs Massingbred moved away, leaving the Jew very far from content with “the situation.”