"I met him a fortnight ago at Sir Percival's house. Needless to say I was honored, Thomas."
"Quite needless, sir. Was he sober?"
"Part of the time," answered Mr. Dyke, reluctantly.
"Ah," said Moore, "that must have been early in the evening. Does Bessie know him?"
"Yes, Thomas. He was so kind as to give her his personal opinion of the airs and graces suitable as business for the character of Lydia, for he will have no one even mention the possibility of her not obtaining the part."
"Look here now," said Moore, quickly. "You just bear in mind what sort of a killer that same gay old lad is with the ladies. I 'll not have him making love to Bessie, if I have to tell him so on the street. He is an old rake, sir, and there is no more dangerous man in London, for all his years."
"Tut, tut, Thomas," said Mr. Dyke in benign reproof. "Mr. Sheridan is a married man."
"I know," replied Moore, doubtfully, "but I have often heard that they are the worst kind. By the way, how is that distinguished philanthropist, Sir Percival Lovelace?"
"You must not sneer at him, Thomas. Bessie and I owe everything to him."
"Never fear. He expects to be paid one way or another," growled Moore, full of suspicions but absolutely lacking in proof.