There was no one he knew, and no one knew him.
"Strange," thought he, "there are so many places in London where one could go and no one ever know it." He wished he could see what the place was like inside; it must surely be crowded by this time.
Thus he dawdled for some time; then with a sigh and an effort he tore himself away and walked quickly on to the Newcomes' house.

Their welcome was most cordial.
"We were afraid," said Mr Newcome, "you had quite deserted us.

Come in, it is pleasant to see you.

We had a letter from Charlie only to- day, telling us to see you did not overwork yourself, and to make you come up here whether you would or not.

Of course we could hardly follow such instructions literally." Tom spent a pleasant evening with the two good people.
He always had found Mr Newcome a clever and very entertaining man--a man whom one feels all the better for talking to, and who naturally sets every guest in his house at ease.