SOMERSET HOUSE. 37 



We had not been in attendance a 

 quarter of an hour before my name was 

 called by the messenger, who escorted 

 me to the room where the commissioners 

 were assembled. After a few questions, 

 which I answered to their satisfaction, 

 I named two bondsmen, of whom my 

 father was one, and the contract was 

 mine, and mine alone ; for they would 

 hear nothing of any second person 

 I must take it entirely on my own re- 

 sponsibility. 



When I retired, and reported the 

 result of my interview to my friend, he 

 was a little disconcerted ; but on my 

 assuring him that I could and should 

 still fulfil my agreement, he professed 

 to be satisfied. 



We afterwards dined with my father, 

 who wished us joy of our bargain, and 

 drank success to its result. In about 

 six weeks we entered on our contract, 



