When Mr. Grigg was giving instructions to Duck, a tall, good-looking young gentleman, dressed in the height of fashion, strolled into the room, and, after carefully hitching up his trousers at the knees to avoid creasing them, dropped gracefully into an arm-chair.
‘Well, governor, I’m here to time, you see. They wanted to put me in room C because you were engaged, but that game wouldn’t do with me, you know.’
Mr. Limpet frowned.
Mr. Grigg did the same, and more.
‘Mr. Limpet,’ he said, ‘do you allow your son to jeer at the business?’
‘Jeer at the business, be hanged!’ said Limpet, junior, rattling the handle of his cane against his beautiful teeth. ‘Can’t a fellow have his joke? Here, charge me 6s. 8d. for it, and put it down in the bill.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous, Reginald,’ growled Mr. Limpet; ‘you annoy Mr. Grigg very much.’
‘Oh, no, he doesn’t. He can’t help being a fool.’
Reginald Limpet laughed.
‘You’re talkative to-day, Mr. Grigg,’ he said; ‘glad to see it. Shows business is good. Well, look here, governor,’ he added, turning to Mr. Limpet; ‘you asked me to come, and I’ve come. What is it you want? To double my allowance, or to get me to introduce Mr. Grigg into the best female society?’