"Do you think we would have a bootblack living in our house?"
"Don't waste any time on him, Edgar. He is a street boy, and his manners are fitted to his station."
"Thank you, governor. That's the biggest compliment I've had for a long time."
Mr. Talbot laughed.
"Really, boy, you are very grotesque."
"That's another compliment," said Tom, taking off his hat and bowing with mock politeness.
"Hallo, Tom!"
Tom turned to meet the smile of a District Telegraph messenger, who was crossing the park to Broadway.
"How's yourself, Mark?" he said. "I'd offer to shake hands, but I've been doin' a little business for these gentlemen, and my gloves ain't handy."
No. 79, following the direction of Tom's nod, glanced at Mr. Talbot and Edgar, and instantly a look of surprise came over his face.