Horne. But then he was
certainly much shorter, and the want of due proportion probably
added to his unwieldy appearance. I walked round him once or twice
wishfully, measuring him in my eye, and thinking of what texture
might be the Sunday best of such a man. The clothes which he then
had on were certainly not exactly suited to Mr. Horne's tastes.
He saw that I was observing him, and appeared uneasy and offended.
I had already ascertained that he spoke a little English. Of
Flemish I knew literally nothing, and in French, with which probably
he was also acquainted, I was by no means voluble. The business
which I had to transact was intricate, and I required the use of my
mother-tongue.
It was intricate and delicate, and difficult withal. I began by
remarking on the weather, but he did not take my remarks kindly. I
am inclined to fancy that he thought I was desirous of borrowing
money from him. At any rate he gave me no encouragement in my first
advances.
"Vat misfortune?" at last he asked, when I had succeeded in making
him understand that a gentleman up stairs required his assistance.
"He has lost these things," and I took hold of my own garments.
"It's a long story, or I'd tell you how; but he has not a pair in
the world till he gets back to Brussels,--unless you can lend him
one.
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