30s." He was in the middle of the Vs now and within measurable distance of the end.
Business being slack in the front shop, he finished earlier than usual, and actually found himself with nearly a whole hour upon his hands before dinner.

He had half a mind to spend it at his club, the Junior Journalists', in the side street over the way.
Only half a mind; for Mr.Rickman entertained the most innocent beliefs with regard to that club of his.

He was not yet sure whether it belonged to him or he to it; but in going to the Junior Journalists' he conceived himself to be going into society.

So extreme was his illusion.
Mr.Rickman's place was in the shop and his home was in a boarding house, and for years he had thought of belonging to that club; but quite hopelessly, as of a thing beyond attainment.

It had never occurred to him that anything could come of those invasions of the friendly young men.