Mr. Boltby, will you have the kindness to make out my
account? Sir Barnes Newcome, for fear of consequences that I should
deplore, I recommend you to keep a wide berth of me, sir." And the Colonel
twirled his mustachios, and waved his cane in an ominous manner, and
Barnes started back spontaneously out of its dangerous circle.
What Mr. Boltby's sentiments may have been regarding this extraordinary
scene in which his principal cut so sorry a figure;--whether he narrated
the conversation to other gentlemen connected with the establishment of
Hobson Brothers, or prudently kept it to himself, I cannot say, having no
means of pursuing Mr. B.'s subsequent career. He speedily quitted his
desk at Hobson Brothers; and let us presume that Barnes thought Mr. B.
had old all the other clerks of the avuncular quarrel. That conviction
will make us imagine Barnes still more comfortable. Hobson Newcome no
doubt was rejoiced at Barnes's discomfiture; he had been insolent and
domineering beyond measure of late to his vulgar good-natured uncle,
whereas after the above interview with the Colonel he became very humble
and quiet in his demeanour, and for a long, long time never said a rude
word.
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