Ah, good-morning, Mr.Gadgem." The front door had been purposely left open, and though the bill collector had knocked by way of warning, he had paused for no answer and was already in the room.

The little man laid his battered hat silently on a chair near the door, pulled down his tight linen sleeves with the funereal binding, adjusted his high black stock, and with half-creeping, half-cringing movement, advanced to where St.George sat.
"I said good-morning, Mr.Gadgem," repeated St.George in his most captivating tone of voice.

He had been greatly amused at Gadgem's antics.
"I heard you, sir--I heard you DIStinctly, sir--I was only seeking a place on which to rest my hat, sir--not a very inSPIRing hat-quite the contrary--but all I have.

Yes, sir--you are quite right--it is a VERY good morning--a most deLIGHTful morning.

I was convinced of that when I crossed the park, sir.