Helped by his friend's arm, Ralph managed to hobble to table; he ate little, and talked throughout the meal in his wonted vein of cheerful reflection.

Will enjoyed everything that was set before him; the good, wholesome food, which did credit to Mrs.Pomfret's housekeeping, had a rare savour after months of dining in the little parlour behind his shop, varied only by Mrs.
Wick's cooking on Sundays.

One thing, however, interfered with his ease; seated opposite to Rosamund Elvan, he called to mind the fact that his toilet this morning had been of the most summary description; he was unshaven, and his clothing was precisely what he had worn all yesterday at the counter.

The girl's eyes passed observantly over him now and then; she was critical of appearances, no doubt.

That his aspect and demeanour might be in keeping, he bore himself somewhat bluffly, threw out brief, blunt phrases, and met Miss Elvan's glance with a confident smile.