St. John's Wood house : he remembered his sister's
icj decorum^ and the irigiditj that had made him
prefer the sanded floor of a neighbouring tavern to
her rich carpeted room ; and, though he was a g'ood-
hearted, honest fellow, he could scarcely repress a
chuckle when he called to mind the words he had
whispered to Sally at parting, telling her that one of
these fine days she would be glad enough to find a
quiet home with her uncouth brother. The verifica-
tion of his prophecy was at hand, and he was secretly
pleased (all men are delighted with success) that his
forebodings were on the eve of realisation.
^^My dear Beaben/' said Nicholls suddenly (he
had gained the mastery over himself by recollecting
that the return train started in two hours, and there
was no time to lose, and he ran on rapidly), " I have
come to ask you a great favour. I am at a loss to
express how deeply sensible I remain of past favours ;
how both myself and Sara — who, by the way, sends
her love to you and your good lady" — and he smiled
condescendingly at Molly, who commenced working
harder than ever —

*^ My missus is it you means ? " interrupted Reu-
ben, with a half chuckle.
