218 

 MASTER AND MAN. 



The inevitable delay, however, gave him time to arrange his 

 plans; and long before his valet and prime-minister was up, 

 and down, he had settled the programme of the whole perform- 

 ance. 



This valet was a character — that is to say, if having no char- 

 acter except that which he brought from his last place, justifies 

 one in saying so. His name was Twigg; he was his master's 

 counsellor and adviser upon many occasions; and it was to his 

 not having employed him in the Harley Street stratagem, that 

 Saville attributed its lamentable failure, and his consequent 

 disagreeable exposure. Saville had a high opinion of Twigg's 

 judgment upon many topics; he had before this, discussed the 

 subject of the elopement, and had been much edified by his man*s 

 remarks and observations; he was attached to him for his fidelity 

 and prudence, and considered him " quite a treasure " in the way 

 of guarding him against imposition, and directing him to bargains ; 

 the truth being, that Twigg had not three ideas in the world 

 beyond taking the best possible care of himself. The only virtue 

 he possessed, consisted in a studious accommodation of himself 

 to his master's will and opinion, and in always agreeing with him 

 upon every point under discussion; constantly appearing to 

 originate something, which his master pronounced exceedingly 

 wise ^nd clever, but which, in fact, was neither more nor less, 

 than a new version of some old proposition which had been pre- 

 viously made by Saville himself. 



" Twigg," said Saville, " shut the door." — The door of course 

 was shut. — " I am resolved to put my scheme in practice with 

 regard to Miss Franklin. Have you got the paper about the line 

 of posting down the north-road, which you had from Newman ?" 



" I have, Sir," said Twigg. 



" I cannot sit down quietly and give her up," said Saville; — 

 " the affair is perfectly simple." 



" Very, Sir,'^ said Twigg. 



•* Of course every man knows his own business best" — said 

 Saville, " but — I — upon my life — I do n't know — I think it is 

 better at once to make the plunge; and I question whether it is 

 not wiser to be rash for an hour, than miserable for life." 



" It is a question. Sir." 



" Yet, Twigg, if I hesitate the opportunity is lost." 



" So it is, Sir." 



