"Not hat all," retorted Buster. "Hi 'as no time to waste hon 'aving horphings."
The worthy landlady met Moore in the hall as she quitted his apartments, and overwhelmed him with the heartiness of her welcome, but, mindful of Buster's instructions, said never a word concerning the visits of Mistress Dyke. Moore, having made as speedy an escape as was possible without wounding the old woman's feelings, entered the attic, being received with much doggish delight by Lord Castlereagh, who seemed to ignore the fact that he had ceased to be a puppy several years before.
"Good hevening, Mr. Moore," said Buster politely, about to deliver the post to his master.
"Good evening, Montgomery," replied Moore, severely, drawing off his gloves.
"Montgomery?" echoed the boy, thoroughly disgusted. "Ho, don't call me that, sir, please don't."
"Well, that's your name, isn't it?"
"Ho, Hi knows hit, alas!" said Buster, in an injured tone. "Hi knows hit only too well. Wen Hi wuz too little to defend myself w'en put hupon, my hole woman hup and christens me Montgomery Julien Hethelbert, hand 'itches hit hon to the family nime hof Spinks."
"Montgomery Julien Ethelbert--"
"Spinks. Yes sir, that's hit. Wuz n't that a crime? That's wot stunted my growth, most likely."
"It seems plausible," observed Moore, in secret vastly amused.