"It isn't necessary for me to see him, but I should like just to look in and have a chat." "Yes, it will do him good.

You have your points, though punctuality doesn't seem to be one of them," and with this parting shot Miss Oman bustled away.
Half-past eight found me ascending the great, dim staircase of the house in Nevill's Court preceded by Miss Oman, by whom I was ushered into the room.

Mr.Bellingham, who had just finished some sort of meal, was sitting hunched up in his chair gazing gloomily into the empty grate.

He brightened up as I entered, but was evidently in very low spirits.
"I didn't mean to drag you out after your day's work was finished," he said, "though I am very glad to see you." "You haven't dragged me out.

I heard you were alone, so I just dropped in for a few minutes' gossip." "That is really kind of you," he said heartily.