suffered by his collisions with his more mercurial and apt brethren who had laid the foundations of their practice in the eastern courts, and who had sucked in shrewdness with their mother's milk. The caution of this gentleman was exhibited in his actions, by the utmost method and punctuality, tinctured with a good deal of timidity; and in his speeches, by a parenthetical style, that frequently left to his auditors a most delightful research after his meaning.
"A good morning to you, Mr. Van der School," said Edwards; "it seems to be a busy day with us at the Mansion-house."
"Good morning, Mr, Edwards, (if that is your name, (for, being a stranger, we have no other evidence of the fact than your own testimony,) as I understand you have given it to Judge Temple,) good morning, sir. It is, apparently, a busy day, (but a man of your discretion need not be told, (having, doubtless, discovered it of your own accord,) that appearances are often deceitful,) up at the Mansion-house."
"Have you papers of consequence, that will require copying? can I be of assistance to you in any way?"
"There are papers (as, doubtless, you see (for your eyes are young) by the outsides) that require copying."
"Well, then I will accompany you to your office, and receive such as are most needed, and by night I shall have them done, if there be much haste."
"I shall be always glad to see you, sir, at my office, (as in duty bound, (not that it is obligatory to receive any man within your dwelling, (unless so inclined,) which is a castle,) according to the forms of politeness,) or at any other place; but the papers are most strictly confidential, (and, as
