Mr. Badger looked back once or twice as he pursued his way down Broadway, and gave Brainard a patronizing nod, which the latter gentleman could not have observed, for he never once had the civility to return it.

"Where next?" soliloquized Mr. Badger, as he drew a long and narrow strip of paper from his pocket. "Let me see; Cummings, Catterfly, Neilson, Neverpay, Morrison, Mordaunt-ah! Mordaunt-that 's just in my way-must say a word or two to that chap to-day. Ugh! what a wry face he 'll make! No gentleman! He treats a man of my standing like a dog! Gentlemen that are gentlemen, respect talent in all its varieties. Here's for Mordaunt! Never bled that old quiz yet-will go hard with me if I can't find some soft place to stick the lancet to-day!"

Away darted Mr. Badger, for he knew the value of his own time, and how much of it was unnecessarily consumed by his acquaintances. His onward course was only interrupted by a few hearty shakes of the hand, which he thought it necessary to dispense among his particular friends. He stopped before a three story house in Pearl street, near the Battery. The building stood almost entirely alone. The faded paint on the bricks and the door, the dilapidated blinds and yellowish shutters (closed throughout the house,) gave it a gloomy and deserted appear

ance.

Mr. Badger mounted the steps. There was no bell, and the knocker was too much rusted to move without giving forth some sounds of complaint. Badger's practiced hand, however, extracted from it a noise that would have roused the seven sleepers. The summons was unanswered. Again Mr. Badger lifted the knocker, and dexterously eased its stiffened hinges with another peal. Still no answer! A third time he seized the noisy instrument, and only relinquished it after taking some more severe gymnastic exercise than was his custom. The key at last turned, several bolts were undrawn, the door opened just wide enough for the person within to ascertain who stood without, and the croaking voice of an aged female sulkily demanded :

"What be you making all this here noise about?"

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Very sorry to disturb you, my good lady, very-take too much trouble bolting your door-no use-trouble never gets paid for. Mr. Mordaunt at home, my respected lady?"

"None of your ladying and palavering here! There be n't no ladies in this house. Mr. Mordaunt are n't at home."

"Did n't suppose he was-only asked for information. Take care!" continued Badger, placing his club foot forcibly against the door which the woman was attempting to shut in his face; "have a word to say to you, my dear lady-always delighted to talk with the ladies. Mr. Mordaunt aint home, eh? Suppose he 's coming home, though? Just about his dinner hour-smell dinner quite strong— good soup you make, quite good-keen nose this!"

Mr. Badger designated the organ alluded to, in a manner which pointed out its locality even more decidedly than Nature's lavish hand had done.

"I don't know when Mr. Mordaunt will be home. You'd best call again," said the old woman.

"Bless your beautiful old face! not the slightest use of that! Suppose I do n't know better manners when I'm visiting a gentleman? Do n't trouble yourself; I'll come in and take a seat in the parlor. Old door opens hard-must grease the hinges."

As Mr. Badger said these words, he inserted his stick in the crevice of the door-for the old woman was pushing against it with all her strength-and gently pried it open.

"Lord-a-marcy save us! You aint going to knock one down, and talk of manners be you?"

"Pardon me, my dear lady-thought I could assist you. Stupid door-very stupid wants greasing."

Mr. Badger gallantly assisted the grumbling old woman to rise from her half recumbent posture, and saved her the trouble of closing the street door by shutting it himself. After this he walked along the entry, and turned the first door knob--the room was locked; he tried the next-the door opened, and he entered the back parlor, followed by the old woman, who continued to mutter and moan. The room was cheerless, and almost devoid of furniture. A small table in the centre was partially spread for dinner. Mr. Badger seized upon the well worn arm chair, which was placed before the solitary plate, and drawing it to the window, peered through the dusty panes, as though he expected to enjoy some fine scenery. The yard was large and filled with noxious weeds grown to the height of shrubs. Mr. Badger gazed upon them with evident satisfaction.

Fine garden-rich soil-good growth there—su-ublime! aint it? Take care of it all yourself? Ladies love flowers-amiable weakness, is n't it?"

"You be n't going to stay here, sir. Mr. Mordaunt won't be home for more 'n an hour."

"Don't let that afflict you, my dear lady. I'm quite disengaged-very comfortable here-do n't mind waiting."

"But who 's going to stay here to wait on you? I'se got the dinner to cook. All them fish will be burnt to death. I smell 'em burning now."

"Oh! do n't let the fish spoil. Very sorry to lose your delightful company, but dinner must be attended to. Do n't stand on ceremony, my dear lady. I'll entertain myself with the prospect from this window."

The old woman still lingered, giving forth at intervals a low querulous sound; but soon the odor of the burning fish became so perceptible that it drew her irresistably away.

"Mind you do n't stir out of this room," said she, and hobbled down stairs to save her master's dinner from the consuming element.

Mr. Badger sat awhile in contemplative mood, gazing on the weeds, and probably reflecting on the weed-like growth of sin. When he wearied of this fascinating occupation, he looked around the room, but the few remnants of faded furniture were too time-worn to bear much examination.

"Considerable of a house this, for such an old quiz, living all alone-no use to him at all-wonder why he do n't sell it? Bring more than enough to pay his debts fifty times over! Wonder what he does with the upper story? Just take a peep now I'm here, to see what the house would bring at auction."

Mr. Badger left the room on his errand of investigation and ascended the stairs. He tried every door of the second story, but found them all locked. He was ascending the flight which led to the third story, when he paused suddenly. His ear caught a wild, low strain of music, which seemed to proceed from some chamber above. It was the sound of a female voice! While Mr. Badger stood listening in wonder, the song ceased; the next moment it burst forth again in a wilder, louder strain.

Mr. Badger's composure fortunately never forsook him. Led by the sound, he continued ascending flights of steps, until he found himself in the attic.

"Some pretty chambermaid!" thought he ; " take a peep at all events-get her perhaps to remind her master, when she 's making his bed every morning, of this little account-no harm in trying!'

The singing continued, now loud and now low, now joyful and now sad. Mr.

Badger approached the room from which it proceeded, and gently tapped upon the door: the song proceeded, and no answer was made. The next time he knocked louder, and louder grew the song, but still no answer! He then attempted to lift the latch, but the door was locked and the key extracted. This was too much for Mr. Badger. True, his joints were somewhat stiff, and they cracked reluctantly, as he compelled them to obedience; but he knelt down, notwithstanding, and put his eye to the key-hole.

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Why, the old profligate! Who 'd have suspected it? Aint this sublime! Why, he 's got a woman locked up here! Great country this-great country!" And Mr. Badger rubbed his hands in unfeigned delight. "Fine woman-superb; pale, though, very pale-not enough of her, quite-afraid the old quiz don't feed her well! Black hair hanging down to her knees, like the mad woman in the play. What big black eyes! Who is she looking at? Nobody there. Talking to somebody, though. Can't see another soul in the room. Singing again, now! What the deuce makes her squeeze her hands together in that outlandish fashion? Little white hands, white as her dress-nothing like a woman's hand. The old profligate !-looking so blue all the while-and this is the way he's amusing himself? Great country, this-great country-greatest country in the world, that 's certain !"

Mr. Badger entertained himself a few moments longer at the key-hole, until the wind which eddied through it made his eye water, when, all at once, he appeared to become sensible of the impropriety of spying the actions of a lady while she was unconscious of his presence, and called out :

Beg your pardon, my lady, how d' ye do this morning? Delighted to make your acquaintance! Fine day, your ladyship-very fine day! Is Mr. Mordaunt at home?"

A wild shriek issued from the chamber at these words, and then came cries of "Let me out! let me out!-oh, let me out!" succeeded by agonizing sobs and

moans.

"Don't be alarmed, your ladyship, it 's only me-never alarm the ladies; don't scream, now do n't-only just wanted to know how you did. Hope your ladyship"

Mr. Badger was interrupted by the clutch of a hand which grasped him fiercely by the nape of his neck. He turned so abruptly that his head knocked against that of some other person. The old woman was bending over him. At the first glance, he thought the face that of a demon, so full was it of Satanic rage and fury.

“Ugh—ugh—ugh! Beg pardon, my dear lady; hope I did n't hurt you very

much!"

Here he be, master!" shrieked the old beldame at the top of her cracked voice. "I hope to marcy you'll pitch him out of the window, or he 'll ruin us!"

These words were succeeded by a quick heavy tread on the stairs; and before Mr. Badger could rise from his lowly posture, Mr. Mordaunt was standing before him!

Mr. Mordaunt's livid countenance expressed fear and horror, rather than wrath. For a few seconds the two looked at each other in silence-Mr. Mordaunt as though he was too petrified to speak, and Mr. Badger with an air of virtuous yet playful rebuke. At length the latter slowly rose from his knees, and exclaimed, shaking his head:

"Oh, you old reprobate! Did n't think it of you, I did n't! Have n't sowed your wild oats yet, eh? Fine woman-fine eyes-sings like the opera-woman at the Park! Introduce me will you?"

3

Mr. Mordaunt stretched out his arm, and touching Mr. Badger on the shoulder,

hoarsely whispered:

"Come down!"

'Pitch him out of the window, master!" screamed the old woman.

Mordaunt looked at her with a frown, and exclaimed:

"You won't introduce me, then?" said Badger.

"Well; as you like. Don't want any body else to ruffle the feathers of your bird, eh? Right, sir-quite right!"

Mr. Badger, have the goodness to follow me down stairs!"

"Certainly, certainly! Why, the old prig is growing quite civil," thought Mr. Badger. "The influence of woman-nothing like it!-the influence of woman makes lambs of us."

They entered the parlor. Mr. Mordaunt closed the door, pointed out a chair to Mr. Badger, and sank into one himself. At first he appeared to be too much overcome to speak; and Mr. Badger very considerately looked out of the window, remarking:

66

Fine growth you 've got there!

"Mr. Badger," at last said Mr. Mordaunt, "the unfortunate discovery you have made"

"Not at all-do n't let it distress you, my dear fellow-know how to make allowances for the weaknesses of human nature. No creature comfort, after all, like a downright pretty woman-like one myself, sometimes; yours looks rather pale, though."

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'Ye-e-s, you are very considerate, sir. I am much obliged to you, Mr. Badger · and I have one great favor to ask. The lady-my-the person you saw, desires to live in the greatest seclusion, as-as-her health"

'Poorly, I dare say-looks poorly; must make her take the air-give her a color; take my advice-do n't keep her too confined, do n't-it won't do with woman."

'I thank you for your advice, sir; my request is, that you will promise never to reveal the discovery you have made."

"Of course not-man of honor, sir-touch me on a tender point."

"I have your promise, then?"

"To be sure-would n't lisp it for the world. By-the-bye, that reminds me of something I forgot to mention. Slip of paper, here, you 'll oblige me by looking over. Good deal of business on hand this afternoon-like you to settle yours without delay-dinner getting spoilt-lady up above looked hungry"

"Never mention her again, if you hope to get a farthing of the money!" said Mr. Mordaunt, so sternly that his visiter almost jumped out of his seat.

Mr. Mordaunt opened an old desk, and took from it two or three bills and some silver.

"This is the last money I have in the world--take it; but, unless you hope to repent most bitterly, remember there is one subject to which you are never to allude."

"Oh! certainly. Five, six, seven, ten, twelve, and one, two, three, four, five shillings-twelve dollars and five shillings; that leaves seventeen dollars yet due. Pay me to-morrow?"

"Impossible! I have not another shilling in the world. But keep your promise, and I will pay. I will call upon you next week."

"Don't trouble yourself I never trouble people that way; step round myself, next Tuesday."

"I hope to save you the necessity. And now, Mr. Badger, as I am somewhat fatigued, I beg you 'll excuse me.".

"Want to get rid of me, eh? Going to pay a visit to"

Mr. Badger pointed upward with his thumb, at the same time significantly jerking up his left shoulder.

"Silence! Never mention that subject again!" almost shouted Mr. Mordaunt.

"Oh! ah! Beg pardon-won't detain you. Shall call next Tuesday. Present my res▬▬▬▬▬▬ Oh! now don't!-did n't mean to offend. Good morning!— wish you a very good morning! Do n't forget Tuesday,"

Mr. Badger left the house, well pleased with his visit; so well that he determined to deprive himself of dinner until he had paid another.

"Who next? Let's see; Edgar Chadwick-ten dollars to his boot-maker. That's in Waverly place-will take a 'bus, and be there in five minutes; just catch him at dinner. Never had a bill 'gainst him before-green-make him pony up at once."

Mr. Badger hailed an omnibus, jumped in, and looked around to see whether any of his particular friends were present, with whom he could transact a little business in his line. For once he was disappointed. The stage stopped for him to alight at Waverly place, without his having met with a single acquaintance. He took his way to one of the most elegant mansions in the street.

66 'Mr. Chadwick at home?"

The servant, being unaccustomad to visiters of Mr. Badger's character, replied:

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'Yes, sir, he is; and Mr. Edgar will be here by dinner time."

"Oh! he will? Quite right-I'll wait. Let the Doctor know that a gentleman wants to see him."

Mr. Badger walked in, and, soon after, a portly-looking personage, with a peculiarly neat and jaunty exterior, entered the room.

My

"Dr. Chadwick-how d' ye do, sir? Happy to make your acquaintance. name 's Badger, sir-Badger. Fine day-fine. Had the honor to call on Master Edgar."

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me."

My son is not at home, sir. I was informed that you had some business with

"Not that honor, sir-sorry to say it. A slip of paper, here, for Master Edgar; fine young man-presume you 're his banker? Quite as leave transact the business with you, sir. Small account I have the honor to collect for Mr. Waggner, the boot-maker"

"Let me see it. Ten dollars! Has there been any difficulty in my son's paying this account, that it was placed in your hands?" "Can't say, sir. Mr. Waggner's generally impatient-very impatient manalways wants the cash down. All alike, sir. Gentlemen in trade want their money, and gentlemen out of trade won't pay. Great country, this great country, sir!"

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Receipt this account, sir. Here is the money; and I hope it is the last bill that may ever be presented in this manner against my son.

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'Certainly, sir. It is a pleasure to be treated in this gentlemanly way. Persons of my profession, sir, know a gentleman at a glance. Your children—those two little lambs in the entry? Beautiful darlings !-very like you, sir-very 3*