"Well, that's something. I pressed the point about your really meaning it, because you were so violently opposed to such a course when I spoke of it before. In fact you were almost personal, as though I had proposed something disgraceful--though it was true you came to agree with me at last." "I guess the only disgrace is owing money and not being able to pay," said the present Lord Rochester. "I've come to see that now." "Thank God!" said Collins. "I'll take rooms at a quiet hotel," went on the other, "with this eight thousand and the rent from that Gazabo, I ought to tide over the rocks." "I don't see why not, I don't really see why not," replied Collins cheerfully, "if you are steadfast in your purpose. Fortunately your wife's property is untouched, and how about her?" "Yes," said Jones, with a cold shiver. "The love of a good wife," went on the other, "is a thing not to be bought, and I may say I have very good reason to believe that, despite all that has occurred, you still have your wife's affection. Leaving everything else aside I think your greatest mistake was having your sister to live with you. It does not do, and, considering Miss Birdbrook's peculiar temper, it especially did not do in your case. Now that things are different would you care to see your wife, and have a quiet talk over matters?" "No," said Jones, hurriedly. "I don't want to see her--at least, not yet." "Well, please yourself," replied the other. "Perhaps later on you will come to see things differently." The conversation then closed, the lawyer promising to let him know should he secure an offer for the house. Jones, so disturbed by this talk about his wife that he was revolving in his mind plans to cut the whole business, said good-bye and took his departure. But he was not destined to leave the building just yet. He was descending the narrow old stairs when he saw some people coming up, and drew back to let them pass. A stout lady led the way and was followed by an elderly gentleman and a younger lady in a large hat. "Why it is Arthur," cried the stout woman. "How fortunate. Arthur, we have come to see Mr. Collins, such a terrible thing has happened." The unfortunate Jones now perceived that the lady with the huge hat was the bird woman, the elderly gentleman he had never seen before, but the elderly gentleman had evidently often seen him, was most probably a near relative, to judge by the frigidity and insolence of his nod and general demeanour. This old person had the Army stamp about him, and a very decided chin with a cleft in it. "Better not talk out here," said he, "come in, come in and see Collins."