Slummers stole in with his noiseless step and stood beside the table with downcast eyes, which, nevertheless, had taken in the broken tumbler.
“I’ve broken a glass, Slummers,” said Stephen, with affected carelessness. “Never mind, leave it till the morning. Now, then, what have you learned?”
Slummers cleared his throat, and barely opening his thin lips, replied:
“A great deal, considering the time, sir. The young lady at Mrs. Davenant’s——”
“I know all about her,” said Stephen, breaking in impatiently. “What about Mr. Newcombe?”
Nowise embarrassed, Slummers wiped his dry lips with a handkerchief as spotless as his master’s.
“It is as you expected, sir. Mr. Newcombe is in difficulties.”
“Ah!” said Stephen, with evident satisfaction.
“He has been playing and giving paper. There are some old bills out, too. These are in the hands of Moss the money-lender.”
Stephen nodded and rubbed his hands.