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280 THE ADVENTURES OF PHILIP
pair of horses ; and there was not a richer piece of gold lace round
any coachman's hat in London than now decorated John, who had
grown with the growth of his master's fortunes, and drove the
chariot in which his worthy employers rode on the way to Hampstead,
honour, and prosperity.
" All this pitching into the poet is very well, you know, Cassidy,"
says Mugford to his subordinate. "It's like shooting a butterfly
with a blunderbuss ; but if Firmin likes that kind of sport, I don't
mind. There won't be any difficulty about taking his copy at our
place. The Duchess knows another old woman who is a friend of
his" ("the Duchess" was the title which Mr. Mugford was in the
playful habit of conferring upon his wife). " It's my belief young
F. had better stick to the law, and leave the writing rubbish alone.
But he knows his own affairs best, and, mind you, the Duchess is
determined we shall give him a helping hand."
Once, in the days of his prosperity, and in J. J.'s company,
Philip had visited Mrs. Mugford and her family—a circumstance
which the gentleman had almost forgotten. The painter and his
friend were taking a Sunday walk, and came upon Mugford's pretty
cottage and garden, and were hospitably entertained there by the
owners of the place. It has disappeared, and the old garden has
long since been covered by terraces and villas, and Mugford and
Mrs. M., good souls, where are they? But the lady thought she
had never seen such a fine-looking young fellow as Philip; cast
about in her mind which of her little female Mugfords should marry
him ; and insisted upon offering her guest champagne. Poor Phil !
So, you see, whilst, perhaps, he was rather pluming himself upon
his literary talents, and imagining that he was a clever fellow, he
was only the object of a job on the part of two or three good folks,
who knew his history, and compassionated his misfortunes.
Mugford recalled himself to Philip's recollection, when they met
after the appearance of Mr. Phil's first performance in the Gazette.
If he still took a Sunday walk Hampstead way, Mr. M. requested
him to remember that there was a slice of beef and a glass of wine
at the old shop. Philip remembered it well enough now : the ugly
room, the ugly family, the kind worthy people. Ere long he learned
what had been Mrs. Brandon's connection with them, and the young
man's heart was softened and grateful as he thought how this kind
gentle creature had been able to befriend him. She, we may be
sure, was not a little proud of her protégé. I believe she grew to
fancy that the whole newspaper was written by Philip. She made
her fond parent read it aloud as she worked. Mr. Ridley, senior,
pronounced it was remarkably fine, really now; without, I think,
entirely comprehending the meaning of the sentiments which Mr.