"Don't  let  me  distin-b  you.  pray,"  rejoined  tlio
gentleman,  bowing,  and  motioning  Mr.  Jornx-ks  to  bo
seatc'l.  Our  friend,  however,  being  up,  took  a  coat-
lap  over  ejieh  arm,  and  turning  his  l)aek  to  the  fire,
confronted  the  entej-er.
"  Coolish  evening,  this,   Mr.  Jorrocks,"  observed  the


694  HANDT.EY   CROSS

gentleman,  rubbing  his  bands  as  be  approached  the
fire ;  "  I  hope  your  accommodation  is  comfortable  at
Hoxton  P  "

"  Anything  i«/,"  replied  Mr.  Jorrocks ;  "  at  least  I
shall  be  werry  ghid  to  let  you  have  it  if  you  like.
