In drawing up the blind, he disclosed a room precisely resembling in essential features hundreds of front parlours in that neighbourhood, or, indeed, in any working-class district of London.

Everything was clean; most things were bright-hued or glistening of surface.

There was the gilt-framed mirror over the mantelpiece, with a yellow clock--which did not go--and glass ornaments in front.

There was a small round table before the window, supporting wax fruit under a glass case.

There was a hearthrug with a dazzling pattern of imaginary flowers.