To hear him, and not see him, you might think you were listening to some staid and respectable friend of the family.

"I have been standing there this hour past, keeping behind the pillar while other folk went in and out, and waiting my time to speak to you." "To me ?" repeated Hedges.
"Yes, sir.

I want you to grant me a favour; and I hope you'll pardon my boldness in asking it." Hedges did not know what to make of this.

It was the first time he had enjoyed the honour of a personal interview with Mr.Pike; and the contrast between that gentleman's popular reputation and his present tone and manner struck the butler as exceedingly singular.

But that the butler was in a very softened mood, feeling full of subdued charity towards all the world, he might not have condescended to parley with the man.
"What is the favour ?" he inquired.
"I want you to let me in to see the poor young earl--what's left of him." "Let you in to see the earl!" echoed Hedges in surprise.