'A friend of 'Arry's is going to call and take us to the theatre.' 'Oh, indeed! And what friend is that ?' Mrs.Mutimer, who had been talked over to compliance with a project she felt Richard would not approve--she had no longer the old authority, and spent her days in trying to piece on the present life to the former--found refuge in a habit more suitable to the kitchen than the dining-room; she had collected all the teaspoons within reach and was pouring hot-water upon them in the slop-basin, the familiar preliminary to washing up.
'A gen'leman as lives near here,' responded 'Arry.

'He writes for the newspapers.

His name's Keene.' 'Oh?
And how came you to know him ?' 'Met him,' was the airy reply.
'And you've brought him here ?' 'Well, he's been here once.' 'He said as he wanted to know you, Dick,' put in Mrs.Mutimer.

'He was really a civil-spoken man, and he gave 'Arry a lot of help with his books.' 'When was he here ?' 'Last Friday.' 'And to-night he wants to take you to the theatre ?' The question was addressed to Alice.
'It won't cost him anything,' she replied.

'He says he can always get free passes.' 'No doubt.