Then he stopped to consider his next move, and after a little deliberation resolved to pay a visit to Jem Hardy and acquaint him with the joyful tidings.
That gentleman, however, was out, and Mr.Nugent, somewhat irritated at such thoughtlessness, stood in the road wondering where to go next.

It was absolutely impossible for him to sleep that night without telling the good news to somebody, and after some thought he selected Mr.Wilks.

It was true that relations had been somewhat strained between them since the latter's attempt at crimping him, but he was never one to bear malice, and to-night he was full of the kindliest thoughts to all mankind.
He burst into Mr.Wilks's front room suddenly and then pulled up short.
The steward, with a pitiable look of anxiety on his pallid features, was leaning awkwardly against the mantelpiece, and opposite him Mrs.Silk sat in an easy-chair, dissolved in tears.
"Busy, Sam ?" inquired Mr.Nugent, who had heard of the steward's difficulties from Hardy.
"No, sir," said Mr.Wilks, hastily; "sit down, sir." He pushed forward a chair and, almost pulling his visitor into it, stood over him attentively and took his hat.
"Are you quite sure I'm not interrupting you ?" inquired the thoughtful Mr.Nugent.
"Certain sure, sir," said Mr.Wilks, eagerly.

"I was just 'aving a bit of a chat with my neighbour, Mrs.Silk, 'ere, that's all." The lady in question removed her handkerchief from her eyes and gazed at him with reproachful tenderness.

Mr.Wilks plunged hastily into conversation.
"She came over 'ere to tell me a bit o' news," he said, eyeing the young man doubtfully.