The next forenoon Nicholas and his son left the inn in good time to keep their appointment. The weather had changed, and the streets through which they passed were crowded with people who had taken advantage of the fine weather to prosecute business which had admitted of being postponed. Nicholas, who stared every way except the right, received many shoves and pushes, at which he expostulated, without the parties taking even the trouble to look behind them as they continued their course. This conduct produced a fit of reverie, out of which he was soon roused by another blow on the shoulder, which would twist him half round; and thus he continued in an alternate state of reverie and excitement, until he was dragged by Newton to his brother's chambers. The clerk, who had been ordered to admit them, opened the parlour door, where they found Mr John Forster, sitting at his table, with his spectacles on, running through a brief.
"Your servant, young man.--Nicholas Forster, I presume," said he, taking his eyes off the brief, and looking at Forster without rising from his chair. "How do you do, brother?"
"Are you my brother John?" interrogated Nicholas.
"Well, then, I am really very glad to see you, brother," said Nicholas, extending his hand, which was taken with a "humph!"--(A minute's pause.)
"Young man, you're ten minutes past your time," said John, turning to Newton. "I told you _one o'clock precisely_."
"I am afraid so," replied Newton; "but the streets were crowded, and my father stopped several times."
"To expostulate with those who elbowed him: he is not used to it."
"He soon will be if he stays here long. Brother Nicholas," said Forster, turning round; but perceiving that Nicholas had taken up his watch, and was examining the interior, his intended remark was changed. "Brother Nicholas, what are you doing with my watch?"
"It's very dirty," replied Nicholas, continuing his examination; "it must be taken to pieces."
"Don't be alarmed, I'll do it myself, and charge you nothing."
"Indeed you will not do it yourself, brother. My watch goes very well when it's left alone. Do me the favour to hand it to me."
Nicholas shut up the watch, and handed it to his brother over the table. "It ought not to go well in that state, brother."