"Nothing like a soft sponge, cold water, and a bit o' scented soap-- those are Mr Lacey's--to comfort you up. Of course, it depends on the oppyrator. I've seen women soaping little kids and making 'em squirm and yell, when I've felt as I could ha' washed the poor little things and made 'em laugh all the time.--This is one of Mr Lacey's towels, too--he wouldn't mind me bringing 'em. I say, though, you are a deal better. Fortni't ago you'd have shrunk like if I'd touched you even as tender as that." "What's that--pomatum?" "Pomatum! As if I'd use pomatum to a gent's 'air or a private's either. No, that's a cream made from a prescription I gave a 'airdresser half a soverin' for. Violets is nothing to it in the way o' smell. I won't quite shampoo you to-day, but give you just an extra brush. You want freshening--that's all--and I don't want you to be tired. Have a shave?" "No, no; there's nothing to shave." "Nothing! call that nothing? Why, I've known gents to go and be shaved reg'lar with not half your beard. Well, I'll let you off for another day or two but I must touch up those finger-nails." Dick made a gesture, but it was all in vain. Almost before he knew it, Jerry had laid aside towel, brushes, and basin, and begun upon the nails, which he trimmed with wonderful dexterity, commenting the while on things in general. "Look here," he said: "if you want to keep things quiet, you'd better wear your hands in your pockets. Nobody as knows anything would believe your name's Smithson, if he sees your hands." "Why?" said Dick, who felt half-amused. "'Cause there's so much breed about your nails. `Gift on the finger's sure to linger; gift on the thumb is sure to come.' Do you know he calls and sees Miss Deane and her aunt?" "Mr Lacey?--of course." "I didn't mean him. Lookers-on see most of the game. Wonder what Mr Lacey would say if I was to tell him all I know." "What do you mean?" "Oh, nothing, sir. I dunno what he'd say; but I think I know what he'd do--scrunch Mr Mark like a walnut in a door-hinge!" "Look here, I don't want to hear any scandal, Jerry. There, that will do! I'll give you a shilling as soon as I have one." "Thank ye; but don't. Keep it saved up for me, till I can say _sir_ to you proper. When are you going to begin?" The coming of the hospital attendant with Dick's dinner interrupted the conversation; and that afternoon, as he sat by the open window, with the bouquet of flowers before him and a book, there was a rustling of silk on the stairs--loud, heavy steps, quiet and light steps as well--and directly after the door was opened, and Lacey, looking proud and happy, ushered Miss Deane into the room. CHAPTER THIRTY TWO. A STARTLING FACT.