Birching presently moved apart, to reach a newspaper, and remained out of earshot while Narramore talked with his other friend.
"What's going on ?" he began.

"What are you doing here?
Seriously, I want you to go along with us.

Birching is a very good sort of chap, but just a trifle heavy--takes things rather solemnly for such hot weather.
Is it the expense?
Hang it! You and I know each other well enough, and, thanks to my old uncle----" "Never mind that, old boy," interposed Hilliard.

"How long are you going for ?" "I can't very well be away for more than three weeks.

The brass bedsteads, you know----" Hilliard agreed to join in the tour.
"That's right: I've been looking forward to it," said his friend heartily.