There might have been some slight acquaintance in years gone by between this strange fellow and young Lord Bolsover--subsequently made a source of profit.

Perchance, Greenacre's prosperity at this moment resulted from a skilful appeal to the widowed lady.
Inclined to facetiousness by a blend of choice beverages, Gammon could not resist a joke at the moment when he took leave.
"Been out with the 'Saponaria' van to-day ?" he enquired innocently.
Greenacre looked steadily at him with eyes of gentle reproach.
"I'm afraid I don't understand that allusion," he replied gravely.

"Is it a current jest?
I am not much in the way of hearing that kind of thing.

By the by, let me know if I can help you in any more genealogies." "I will.

So long, old man." And with a wink--an undeniable wink, an audacious wink--Mr.Gammon sallied from the hotel.
Before going to bed he wrote a letter--a letter to Miss Sparkes.