"The song's done," said he, as they walked on.
"It isn't a long song," replied the other carelessly. "I dare say she'll start another soon, and you can listen at the gate half the night, if you have a mind to."
"It's a party you'll be having then, sir?"
"Party! No! Can't people sit up till midnight without having the house full of dancers?"
"Augh," grunted Mulligan; "there being no light in the hall, I might have guessed there was no party."
The other man started slightly and laughed uneasily. "My sister asked me to turn out the light when I went," said he. "I did so before I opened the door."
"You'll be going home then, sir?"
"Yes--to the other end of London. Is there a hansom about?"
"Near the station, sir. That'll be half a mile away."
"I know--I know," retorted the other quickly. "I often come here to see my sister." He paused, then added anxiously: "I suppose you know most of the people who live in these villas?"