"Is it about the lodgings ?" "Yes," answered the barrister boldly, for he guessed that Mrs.Bensusan would scuttle back into the house like a rabbit to its burrow, did he speak too plainly at the outset, "that is--I wish to inquire about a friend of mine." "Did he lodge here, sir ?" "Yes.

A Mr.Wrent." "Deary me!" said the fat woman, with mild surprise.

"Mr.Wrent left me shortly after Christmas.

A kind gentleman, but timid; he----" "Excuse me," interrupted Lucian, who wanted to get into the house, "but don't you think you could tell me about my friend in a more convenient situation ?" "Oh, yes, sir--certainly, sir," wheezed Mrs.Bensusan, rolling back up the narrow passage.

"I beg your pardon, sir, for my forgetfulness, but my head ain't what it ought to be.