A practical professional man, tired and hungry, who has been travelling ever since daylight this morning, will hardly be inclined to talk and air courtesies to-night.

He wants food and shelter, and you must see that he has it, simply because I am suddenly laid up and cannot.

There is nothing so dreadful in that, I hope?
You get all kinds of stuff into your head from reading so many of those novels.' 'Oh no; there is nothing dreadful in it when it becomes plainly a case of necessity like this.

But, you see, you are always there when people come to dinner, even if we know them; and this is some strange London man of the world, who will think it odd, perhaps.' 'Very well; let him.' 'Is he Mr.Hewby's partner ?' 'I should scarcely think so: he may be.' 'How old is he, I wonder ?' 'That I cannot tell.

You will find the copy of my letter to Mr.Hewby, and his answer, upon the table in the study.