GUILD COURT. CHAPTER I. How Tom Spent the Evening. WHEN Tom left the office he walked into Mr. Kitely's shop, for he was afraid lest Mr. Stopper should see him turn up to Guild Court. He had almost forgotten Mr. Kitely's behaviour about the book he would not keep for him, and his resentment was gone quite. There was nobody in the shop but Mattie. "Well, chick," said Thomas, kindly, but more condescendingly than suited Miss Matilda's tastes. "Neither chick nor child," she answered promptly, though where she got the phrase is a mystery, as indeed is the case with almost all the sayings of such children. VOL. II. B "What are you, then? A fairy ?" "If I was, I know what I would do. Oh, wouldn't I just! I should think I would!" "Well, what would you do, little Miss What'syour-name ?" My name is Miss Kitely; but that's neither here nor there. Oh no! it's not me! Wouldn't I just !" "Well, Miss Kitely, I want to know what you would do if you were a fairy ?" "I would turn your eyes into gooseberries, and your tongue into a bit of leather a foot long; and every time tried to speak, your you long tongue would slap your blind eyes and make you cry." "What a terrible doom!" returned Thomas, offended at the child's dislike to him, but willing it off. "Why ?" to carry "Because you made Miss Burton's eyes red, you naughty man! I know you. It must be you. Nobody else could make her eyes red but you, and you go and do it." Thomas's first movement was of anger; for he felt, as all who have concealments are ready to feel, that he was being uncomfortably exposed. He turned his back on the child, and proceeded to examine the books on a level with his face. While he was thus engaged, Mr. Kitely entered. "How do you do, Mr. Worboise?" he said. "I've got another copy of that book you and I fell out about some time ago. have this one at half the price." I can let you It was evident that the bookseller wanted to be conciliatory. Thomas, in his present mood, was inclined to repel his advances, but he shrunk from contention, and therefore said, "Thank you. How much is it?" I shall be glad to have it. Mr. Kitely named the amount, and, ashamed to appear again unable, even at the reduced price, to pay for it, Thomas pulled out the last farthing of the money in his posession, which came to the exact sum required, and pocketed the volume. "If you would excuse a man who has seen something of the world-more than was good for him at one time of his life-Mr. Worboise," said Mr. Kitely, as he pocketed the money, "I would give you a hint about that German up the court. He's a clever fellow enough, I dare say-perhaps too clever. Don't you have anything to do with him beyond the German. Take my advice. I don't sit here all day at the mouth of the court for nothing. I can see what comes in my way as well as another man." "What is there to say against him, Mr. Kitely? I haven't seen any harm in him." "I'm not going to commit myself in warning you, Mr. Worboise. But I do warn you. Look out, and don't let him lead you into mischief.” "I hope I am able to take care of myself, Mr. Kitely," said Thomas, with a touch of offence. "I hope you are, Mr. Worboise," returned the bookseller, drily; "but there's no offence meant in giving you the hint." At this moment Mr. Stopper passed the window. Thomas listened for the echo of his steps up the archway, and as none came, he knew that he had gone along the street. He waited, there |