Dicky Pilkington was the last person he desired to meet.

For he owed Dicky a certain sum, not large, but larger than he could conveniently pay, and Dicky was objectionable for other reasons.

He had mysterious relations with the Management of the Jubilee Theatre, and consequently unlimited facilities of access to Miss Poppy Grace.

Besides, there was something about him that was deadly to ideas.
Ideas or no ideas, Mr.Pilkington was not to be evaded.

He bore down on Rickman, shining genially, and addressed him with an air of banter.
"Couldn't have arranged it better.