“You appear to have a merry set of people below,” said he to Brickett.
“Yes, sir, they enjoy themselves in their own way.”
“Somebody’s playing the violin.”
“Yes; it’s a gentleman who’s stopping here for a short time, and he generally gives my parlour customers a tune or two after working hours—after the day’s work is over.”
“He does not handle the instrument badly. Is he a professional?”
“Well, partly so, I believe. He is in the frame and picture line of business—a traveller.”
“Ah, indeed! A traveller, a picture dealer, and musician all in one—he’s a good sort.”
“Yes, he’s a very good sort—there aint much doubt of that; has seen a deal of the world, and has visited pretty well every town in the three counties.”
“Oh! is that so?”
“Would you like to go downstairs into the public room?” inquired the landlord.