t1t.] ‘THE SILVER FAIRIES. I4l

 

Simon Ricketts, whose appearance in his parlour did
good to the house and was always hailed with satis-
faction by the respectable company therein assembled.
Therefore, the proposition to consult Joe Muggins
was one hardly unexpected by Dolly and Martha Patti-
son, and they readily gave in their adhesion to a plan
to which they knew well enough that resistance would
be useless. True, family affairs were better kept with-
in the family circle, but a man like Joe Muggins was
not to be found every day, and in a matter of such
immense importance it was certainly very desirable
that the best possible advice should be taken. How-
ever, as a discussion upon money matters is always
one of considerable delicacy, it was obvious that the
one in question could not with propriety be carried on
in the parlour of the ‘Royal George,’ where a certain
amount of publicity would be unavoidable. It was
therefore determined by the family conclave that a
formal and pressing invitation should at once be sent
to the redoubtable publican to drop in that evening,
with an intimation that business of an important and
particular nature would be brought under his notice.
On receiving the message Joe Muggins, as was his
wont when moved, took a deep draught of his favourite
ale, followed by a sigh which shook his mighty frame,
and then gave a nod of assent which implie@ at once
that he would not only be there at the appointed time,
but would be prepared to give his whole attention to
the matter, whatever it might be, and was perfectly
conscious of the enormous importance of his doing so.
Thus assured of the counsel of which he stood so much
in need, Simon got through the rest of the day as well