How could you take me for anything but a workman?
So I am.

Chemistry is one of my hobbies, and I spend hours a day in my laboratory yonder.

I have only just struck work, and as I had inhaled some not-over-pleasant gases, I thought that a turn down the road and a whiff of tobacco might do me good.

That was how I came to meet you, and my toilet, I fear, corresponded only too well with my smoke-grimed face.
But I rather fancy I know you by repute.

Your name is Robert McIntyre, is it not ?" "Yes, though I cannot imagine how you knew." "Well, I naturally took some little trouble to learn something of my neighbours.