He took the shovel from the grate, sprinkled a few live ashes on it, and from a box on the chimneypiece took a few pastiles, which he set upon them; then, with great composure began placidly waving the shovel in front of Mr. Dolls, to cut him off from his company.

“Lord bless my soul, Eugene!” cried Lightwood, laughing again, “what a mad fellow you are! Why does this creature come to see you?”

“We shall hear,” said Wrayburn, very observant of his face withal. “Now then. Speak out. Don’t be afraid. State your business, Dolls.”

“Mist Wrayburn!” said the visitor, thickly and huskily. “⁠— ’tis Mist Wrayburn, ain’t?” With a stupid stare.

“Of course it is. Look at me. What do you want?”