It was barely settled when a manly form was seen to pass the windows and heard to knock and ring. “Here’s Fledgeby,” said Lammle. “He admires you, and has a high opinion of you. I’ll be out. Coax him to use his influence with the Jew. His name is Riah, of the House of Pubsey and Co. ” Adding these words under his breath, lest he should be audible in the erect ears of Mr. Fledgeby, through two keyholes and the hall, Lammle, making signals of discretion to his servant, went softly upstairs.

“ Mr. Fledgeby,” said Mrs. Lammle, giving him a very gracious reception, “so glad to see you! My poor dear Alfred, who is greatly worried just now about his affairs, went out rather early. Dear Mr. Fledgeby, do sit down.”