Not so was Fledgeby seen on this occasion. Arrayed in superb raiment, with his opera hat under his arm, he concluded his self-examination hopefully, awaited the arrival of Miss Podsnap, and talked small-talk with Mrs. Lammle. In facetious homage to the smallness of his talk, and the jerky nature of his manners, Fledgeby’s familiars had agreed to confer upon him (behind his back) the honorary title of Fascination Fledgeby.

“Warm weather, Mrs. Lammle,” said Fascination Fledgeby. Mrs. Lammle thought it scarcely as warm as it had been yesterday. “Perhaps not,” said Fascination Fledgeby, with great quickness of repartee; “but I expect it will be devilish warm tomorrow.”

He threw off another little scintillation. “Been out today, Mrs. Lammle?”