For the rest, except that he was harmless and kindly, fellows hardly seemed to know him at all.

The "Select Sociables" were in full congress.

They had instituted a fine of a penny for non-attendance, which had worked wonders.

And to-night every member was in his place, except only Heathcote and Coote, who, as the reader knows, had something else to think of just then.
The behaviour of these two young gentlemen was giving the club some uneasiness.

They were not alive to their duties as "Sociables." And they had got into the abominable habit of obeying monitors and associating with questionable characters, such as Richardson, Aspinall, and the like.
A motion had just been passed calling upon the two delinquents to appear at the next meeting and answer for their conduct, when the door opened and Freckleton entered.
"Good evening, gentlemen," said he.