I detested the chambers
beyond expression at that period of repentance, and could not
endure the sight of the Avenger's livery; which had a more
expensive and a less remunerative appearance then than at any
other time in the four-and-twenty hours. As we got more and more
into debt, breakfast became a hollower and hollower form, and, being
on one occasion at breakfast-time threatened (by letter) with legal
proceedings, "not unwholly unconnected," as my local paper might
put it, "with jewelery," I went so far as to seize the Avenger by
his blue collar and shake him off his feet,--so that he was
actually in the air, like a booted Cupid,--for presuming to suppose
that we wanted a roll.
At certain times--meaning at uncertain times, for they depended on
our humor--I would say to Herbert, as if it were a remarkable
discovery,--
"My dear Herbert, we are getting on badly."
"My dear Handel," Herbert would say to me, in all sincerity, if you
will believe me, those very words were on my lips, by a strange
coincidence."
"Then, Herbert," I would respond, "let us look into out affairs."
We always derived profound satisfaction from making an appointment
for this purpose. I always thought this was business, this was the
way to confront the thing, this was the way to take the foe by the
throat.
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