Holdsworth shook his head as he passed on. It struck him that there would be little chance of his getting employment in that steaming, panting, perspiring quarter; and that he would be acting more wisely if, instead of challenging rudeness by personal inquiries at places where nobody wanted him, he spent a few shillings in advertising for a situation. Determining to do this, he made what haste he could back to his lodgings, meaning there and then to manufacture an advertisement. He entered his sitting-room, rang the bell to let Mrs. Parrot know he had returned, and sat himself down to consider the terms in which he should make his wants known. “What would you like for breakfast, sir?” said Mrs. Parrot, opening the door. “Oh, anything you please. A new-laid egg if you can find me one.” “Yes, sir. I took four beauties out just now. Have you heard the news, sir?” “No. What news?” “Well, sir, it’s what I allus thought must happen; and day after day I’ve bin expectin’ it, as mother’ll bear me out. They’ve got the brokers in at the Conways.” “The brokers!” exclaimed Holdsworth, turning round in his chair quickly. “Yes, sir. Their gal told the milkman just now, as giv’ me the news. And what’s wuss--leastways some might call it wuss, though I should consider it a good job myself if I was his wife--Mr. Conway hasn’t been home all night!” “The villain!” exclaimed Holdsworth through his teeth. And then he jumped up and began to pace the room excitedly. “Stop!” he cried, observing that Mrs. Parrot was about to withdraw. “Are you sure this news is true?” “Oh, I’ve no doubt of it, sir. When the milkman told me, I was jest goin’ to run across and see the poor lady, and then I says to myself, ‘What use can I be to her?’” “I may be of some use, though,” interrupted Holdsworth. “Never mind about my breakfast just yet. When did the man enter the house to take possession?” “Last night, sir, the gal told the milkman.” “Great heaven! And has she been alone all night?” He stopped short, seized his hat, and, brushing past Mrs. Parrot, went quickly out of the house. Mrs. Parrot watched him from the porch, lost in amazement. He pushed open the gate, marched up to the door, and knocked loudly. His mood was one of deep excitement. The sense of the crushing misery that had fallen upon Dolly had given a poignancy to feeling that set all self-control at defiance. The door was opened by the servant, and out with her came a smell of strong tobacco smoke. “Is Mr. Conway in?” “No, sir, he ain’t,” answered the girl, looking behind her and then at Holdsworth, with a scared face. “Where’s your mistress?” “In the parlour, sir.” “I should like to see her.” “She’s not wisible. She’s in grief, and ain’t to be seen.” “Go and tell her that Mr. Hampden has called and would like to say a word to her.” “I don’t think----” “Do what I tell you!” exclaimed Holdsworth. The girl slouched backwards and pushed her head into the parlour-door.