"Thank you," replied the man. "I sit here as comfortable as St. Dunstan."
"Yes," said Johanna, as she heard the watch-word of safety and friendship once more uttered by that man who was in truth one of Sir Richard's most confidential and trustworthy officers.
She at once now proceeded to the door of the parlour, and tapped at it until Todd opened it, and popped his head out with a grim smile.
"Oh, Charley my dear," he said, "does a gentleman want me?"
"Yes, sir."
"A-hem! Good morning, sir," added Todd, as he advanced, tying on his apron. "A shave, I presume, sir? A close shave, sir? I do think of all the luxuries in life, sir, a good close shave—what I call a regular polish off, sir—is one of the greatest in a small way. Charley, ain't it near breakfast time, my good lad?"
"Yes, sir," said Johanna. "I daresay it is."
"Very good. The hot-water. Thank you my dear—you will take two pence from the till, Charley, and get yourself somewhere about the market a—Well now?"
A thin man in a cloak made his appearance at the door of the shop, and taking off his hat, made a bow, as he said—
"I believe I have the pleasure of speaking to the pious Mr. Todd?"