"Well," said Gemp, rubbing his hands and laughing unpleasantly, "that's it--the `Little Manor' as he calls it; but it's a big place, isn't it?" "Oh, he lives there, does he?" said the visitor, glancing curiously at the ivy-covered house across the way. "Not yet," said Gemp. "That's where he is going to live when--" "He's married. I know. Now then, old Solomon, if you can answer a plain question, where does he live now?" "Mrs Pinet's house, yonder on the left, where the porch stands out, and the flower-pots are in the window." "Humph! hasn't moved, then. Let's see," muttered the visitor, "that's where I took the flower-pot to throw at the dog. No: that's the house." "Can I--?" began Gemp insidiously. "No, thankye. Good evening," said the visitor. "You can tell 'em I've come. Ta ta! Gossipping old fool!" he added to himself, as he walked quickly down the street; while, after staring after him for a few minutes, Gemp turned sharply on his heel, and made for Gorringe's--Mr Gorringe being the principal tailor. Mr Gorringe's day's work was done, consequently his legs were uncrossed, and he was seated in a Christian-like manner--that is to say, in a chair just inside his door, smoking his evening pipe, but still in his shirtsleeves, and with an inch tape gracefully hanging over his neck and shoulders. "I say, neighbour," cried Gemp eagerly, "you bank with Dixons'." Mr Gorringe's pipe fell from his hand, and broke into a dozen pieces upon the floor. "Is--is anything wrong?" he gasped; "and it's past banking hours." "Yah! get out!" cried old Gemp, showing his yellow teeth. "You're always thinking about your few pence in the bank. Why, I bank there, and you don't see me going into fits. Yah! what a coward you are!" "Then--then, there's nothing wrong?" "Wrong? No." "Hah!" ejaculated the tailor. "Mary, bring me another pipe." "I only come in a friendly way," cried Gemp, "to put you on your guard." "Then there is something wrong," cried the tailor, aghast. "No, no, no. I want to give you a hint about Hallam." "Hallam!" "Ay! Has he ordered his wedding-suit of you?" "No." "Thought not," said Gemp, rubbing his hands. "I should be down upon him if I were you. Threaten to withdraw my account, man. Dandy chap down from London to-night to take his orders." "No!" "Yes. By the coach. Saw he was a tailor in a moment. Wouldn't stand it if I were you." Mrs Pinet, who came to the door with a candle, in answer to a sharp rap with the visitor's cane, held up her candle above her head, and stared at him for a moment. Then a smile dimpled her pleasant, plump face. "Why, bless me, sir! how you have changed!" she said. "You know me again, then?" he said nodding familiarly. "That I do, sir, and I am glad. You're the young gentleman Mr Hallam helped just about a year ago." "Yes, that's me. Is he at home?" "Yes, sir. Will you come this way?"