"Why, what else could I come in for?"
"I don't know; but you have been here more than once—more than twice—more than thrice, and yet you have never been shaved yet."
"Well, that is a good one."
"A good what?"
"Mistake, for I have only just come to London to-day; but I'll wait while you shave this gentleman. I am in no hurry."
"No, sir," said Todd; "this gentleman is a private friend of mine, and don't come to be shaved at all."
The stout burly-looking man seemed rather confused for a moment, and then he turned to the stranger, and said—
"Are you really a private friend of Mr. Todd's?"
"Very," said the other.
"Then I scorn to interrupt any one in their confidential discourse, just because my beard happens to be a day old. No; I trust that time, and old English politeness, will ever prevent me from doing such a thing; so, Mr. Todd, I will look in upon some other occasion, if you please."