We were anxious to get the matter settled at once, as
Griffith spoke of being dunned; and it might be serious, if the
tradesmen applied to my father when he was still groaning over
revelations of college expenses.
On the ensuing Saturday, Clarence showed me Griff's answer--'I had
forgotten these items. The earrings were a wedding present to the
pretty little barmaid, who had been very civil. The bouquet was for
Lady Peacock; I felt bound to do something to atone for mamma's
severe virtue. It is all right, you best of brothers.'
It was consolatory that all the dates were prior to the Hillside
fire, except that of the bouquet. As to the earrings, we all knew
that Griff could not see a pretty girl without talking nonsense to
her. Anyway, if they were a wedding present, there was an end of
it; and we were only glad to prevent any hint of them from reaching
the ears of the authorities.
Clarence had another trouble to confide to me. He had strong reason
to believe that Tooke, the managing clerk at Bristol, was carrying
on a course of peculation, and feathering his nest at the expense of
the firm. What a grand discovery, thought I, for such a youth to
have made. The firm would be infinitely obliged to him, and his
fortune would be secured. He shook his head, and said that was all
my ignorance; the man, Tooke, was greatly trusted, especially by Mr.
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