Waymark was eyeing the mighty volume on the chair, and had recognised it Some fortnight previously, he had come upon Abraham, in the latter's study, turning over a collection of Hogarth's plates, and greatly amusing himself with the realism which so distinctly appealed to his taste in art.

The book had been pledged in the shop, and by lapse of time was become Abraham's property.

It was the first time that Waymark had had an opportunity of examining Hogarth; the pictures harmonised with his mood; they gave him a fresh impulse in the direction his literary projects were taking.

He spent a couple of hours in turning the leaves, and Mr.Woodstock had observed his enjoyment.

What meant the arrival of the volume here in Beaufort Street?
Abraham lit a cigar, still looking about the room.
"You live alone ?" he asked, in a matter-of-fact way.
"At present." "Ha! Didn't know but you might have found it lonely; I used to, at your age." Then, after a short silence-- "By-the-by, it's your birthday." "How do you know ?" "Well, I shouldn't have done, but for an old letter I turned up by chance the other day.