A LITTLE ACCOUNT 171 



opportunity of making his society agreeable by continual 

 applications of brandy-and-water and cigars. 



This commenced an intimacy that induced Tom one 

 morning, in going into his shop, to take up a tile, as he 

 termed it, and put it on his head. His friend, rather 

 pleased Avith such a customer, thought nothing of the 

 payment ; neither did Tom, whose habits of forgetfulness 

 in that way were too deeply rooted to be eradicated 

 before a new roof was required. Time Avent on, and it 

 Avas supplied again and again, and all thoughts of the cost 

 seemed to be droAAmed in the eA^er-floAving stream of 

 brandy-and-AA^ater, or lost in the sweet perfume of the 

 India AA^eed : till one mornino; Tom Avas disturbed at his 

 toilet by a boy knocking at his door, Avith a note, and 

 telling him he was not to return without an ansAver. 



He immediately recognized in the messenger the shop- 

 boy of his friend, the hatter. He quickly opened the 

 note and read thus : — - 



" Dear Tom, — I enclose your little account, and I 

 think it is high time it AA^as settled." 



Addressing the boy, he said, — 



" You are not to go Avithout an ansAver ? " 



"No, sir." 



*' Stop one minute and you shall have one." 



Sitting doAvn at the instant he Avrote : — 



"Dear Jack, — May the difference of opinion ncA'er 

 alter friendship ! " 



I think the great Sheridan ne\'er eclipsed this prompt 

 and apt repartee. 



But this Avas not the only member of the profession Avho 

 attracted the notice of either ToAvn or Gown ; for if Ave 



