Nickie took off his hat to the maid.
"Tell Willyum," he said, "that bein' 'andy, I'll drop in ter lunch t' day, but Jinny's not on no account t' put up a big spread fer me.

I'll jist take what's goin'." He finished these remarks at the top of his voice, the girl being half-way back to the house.
When the important man in immaculate black came out a little later, Nickie saluted him gravely, as between gentlemen, but without deference.
"'Ow's it, Billy ?" he said.

"You might drop in an' see me this evenin'.
I'm livin' under th' blackberry hedge back o' your stables." The stout man passed in silence, and with a great show of dignity.

Nickie had a busy afternoon.

Evidently it was the dignified lady's "day." Quite a crowd of people drove up to the gates during the afternoon, and Nickie entrusted each with an affectionate and familiar message to Jinny.