Ill.] THE SILVER FAIRIES. 143

 

ing over old bills and accounts, and then he sauntered
forth into the streets and took a long walk. Still,
time hung heavy on his hands, and this first day of
riches seemed to the old milkman by far the longest
and dullest day he had ever passed. At last, to his
great satisfaction, evening came, and, true to his time,
the faithful Joe Muggins appeared, and took his seat
by the fireside, filled his pipe, gazed contentedly upon
the large tumbler of strong liquor which was dutifully
placed at his right hand, and prepared to deal, wisely
and well, with whatever matters might be brought
before him.

Simon seated himself exactly opposite his guest,
and having settled comfortably down in his arm-chair,
and seen that his womankind were in a proper atti-
tude of respectful attention, began his narrative. With
most ‘accurate regard to every detail, he related all
that had occurred, from the first moment of his having
quitted his house for a saunter in the direction of the
sale at old Lawyer Titledeeds’ mansion down to the
final appearance of the bank-notes in the little drawer.
He omitted not a single circumstance and added
nothing, but told the simple truth in his own way, and
kept his eyes steadily fixed upon his guest and neigh-
bour as he did so. The latter listened gravely, his
large saucer eyes opening more and more widely as
his friend proceeded, but never a word spake he during
the recital of the marvellous history, and when it was
finally concluded, he still maintained for some mo-
ments a deep and solemn silence, as though the
matter was not one to be lightly dealt with, or upon
which an opinion should be hastily given.