For the moment I forgot business, and burned with envy of Mr.Yatman.
"Don't despair, ma'am," I said, with an insinuating mildness which seemed to touch her.

"I have heard a mysterious conversation--I know of a guilty appointment--and I expect great things from my peep-hole and my pipe-hole to-night.

Pray don't be alarmed, but I think we are on the brink of a discovery." Here my enthusiastic devotion to business got the better part of my tender feelings.

I looked--winked--nodded--left her.
When I got back to my observatory, I found Mr.Jay digesting his mutton-chops in an armchair, with his pipe in his mouth.

On his table were two tumblers, a jug of water, and the pint bottle of brandy.