“Going home, lad?” asked Fred.
“Yes, sir—at least in a permiscuous sort of way entertainin’ myself as I goes with agreeable talk, and improvin’ obsarvation of the shop winders, etceterrer.”
“Will you take a message to your mother?”
“Sure-ly,” answered Willie.
“Well, say to her that I have several calls to make to-night and may be late in getting home, but she need not sit up for me as I have the door-key; tell her not to forget to leave the door on the latch.”
“Wery good, sir,” said Willie. “May I make so bold as to ask how Miss Loo was when you seed her last?”
“Not well, I regret to say,” replied Fred.
“Indeed! I’m surprised to hear that, for she’s agoin’ out to tea to-morrow night, sir.”
“My surprise is greater than yours, lad; how d’you know that, and where is she going to?” asked Auberly.
Here Willie explained in a very elaborate manner that a note had arrived that forenoon from Miss Tippet, inviting Mr Tippet to tea the following evening, and expressing a hope that he would bring with him his clerk, “Mister” Willders, the brother of the brave fireman who had saved Loo’s life, and that Miss Louisa Auberly was to be there, and that Mr Tippet had written a note accepting the same.