And Mr. Larcom, the grave butler of Brandon, wearing outside his portly person a black garment then known as a 'zephyr,' a white choker, and black trousers, and well polished, but rather splay shoes, and, on the whole, his fat and serious aspect considered, being capable of being mistaken for a church dignitary, or at least for an eminent undertaker, entered the room with a solemn and gentlemanlike reverence. 'Oh, Mr. Larcom! a message, or business?' said Mr. Larkin, urbanely. 'Not a message, Sir; only an enquiry about them few shares,' answered Mr. Larcom, with another serene reverence, and remaining standing, hat in hand, at the door. 'Oh, yes; and how do you do, Mr. Larcom? Quite well, I trust. Yes--about the Naunton Junction. Well, I'm happy to tell you--but pray take a chair--that I have succeeded, and the directors have allotted you five shares; and it's your own fault if you don't make two ten-and-six a share. The Chowsleys are up to six and a-half, I see here,' and he pointed to the 'Times.' Mr. Larcom's fat face smiled, in spite of his endeavour to keep it under. It was part of his business to look always grave, and he coughed, and recovered his gravity. 'I'm very thankful, Sir,' said Mr. Larcom, 'very.' 'But do sit down, Mr. Larcom--pray do,' said the attorney, who was very gracious to Larcom. 'You'll get the scrip, you know, on executing, but the shares are allotted. They sent the notice for you here. And--and how are the family at Brandon--all well, I trust?' Mr. Larcom blew his nose. 'All, Sir, well.' 'And--and let me give you a glass of sherry, Mr. Larcom, after your walk. I can't compete with the _Brandon_ sherry, Mr. Larcom. Wonderful fine wine that!--but still I'm told this is not a _bad_ wine notwithstanding.' Larcom received it with grave gratitude, and sipped it, and spoke respectfully of it. 'And--and any news in that quarter of Mr. Mark Wylder--any--any _surmise_? I--you know--I'm interested for all parties.' 'Well, Sir, of Mr. Wylder, I can't say as I know no more than he's been a subjek of much unpleasant feelin', which I should say there has been a great deal of angry talk since I last saw you, Sir, between Miss Lake and the capting.' 'Ah, yes, you mentioned something of the kind; and your own impression, that Captain Lake, which I trust may turn out to be so, knows where Mr. Mark Wylder is at present staying.' 'I much misdoubt, Sir, it won't turn out to be no good story for no one,' said Mr. Larcom, in a low and sad tone, and with a long shake of his head. 'No good story--hey? How do you mean, Larcom?' 'Well, Sir, I know you won't mention me, Mr. Larkin.' 'Certainly not--go on.' 'When people gets hot a-talking they won't mind a body comin' in; and that's how the capting and Miss Rachel Lake they carried on their dispute like, though me coming into the room.' 'Just so; and what do you found your opinion about Mr. Mark Wylder on?'