She had let me have my own way, and forborne criticism when my taste--or rather my conjecture as to what the Low Heath form might demand--ran counter to hers.

On this account she made no remark about my check shirts, or the steel chain which, after the most approved fashion, came out from under the side of my waistcoat and supported the weight of my keys in my side trouser pocket.

I confess it was an inconvenient arrangement.

It was impossible to unlock my portmanteau without either half undressing, or kneeling down so as to bring the end of the chain on a level with the keyhole, or else standing the portmanteau on a chair or table to bring it up to the key.

But it was undoubtedly the smart way of carrying keys.