CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I.What came to George Early through a Keyhole[9]
II.A Young Man in search of Bad Habits[20]
III.George Early proves that Knowledge is Power[30]
IV.Three Worms that turned[45]
V.A New Lodger in Leytonstone[56]
VI.Lamb Chops and Tomato Sauce[71]
VII.An Erring Husband improves against his Will[86]
VIII.George Early holds Fortune in his Arms[97]
IX.The Man who laughed Last and Loudest[116]
X.Hero Worship[126]
XI.Cupid takes a Hand[135]
XII.An Ironmonger in Love[144]
XIII.A Fortnight's Holiday[155]
XIV."Tommy Morgan"[165]
XV.Aunt Phœbe surprises her Nephew[180]
XVI.George Early and the Giant Alcohol[193]
XVII.Advice Gratis[204]
XVIII.The Disadvantages of trying to be Good[220]
XIX.A Shot that missed Fire[230]
XX.A Dark Man of Foreign Appearance[240]
XXI.Follow my Leader[248]
XXII.Blind Man's Bluff[265]
XXIII.First Stop, Hastings[279]
XXIV.A Strawberry Mark[299]
XXV.Name o' Phœbe[307]

LOVE AND THE
IRONMONGER

A PLAIN TALE OF UPPER
THAMES STREET

Chapter I—What came to George Early through a Keyhole