"Busy, Sam?" inquired Mr. Nugent, who had heard of the steward's difficulties from Hardy.
"No, sir," said Mr. Wilks, hastily; "sit down, sir."
He pushed forward a chair and, almost pulling his visitor into it, stood over him attentively and took his hat.
"Are you quite sure I'm not interrupting you?" inquired the thoughtful Mr. Nugent.
"Certain sure, sir," said Mr. Wilks, eagerly. "I was just 'aving a bit of a chat with my neighbour, Mrs. Silk, 'ere, that's all."
The lady in question removed her handkerchief from her eyes and gazed at him with reproachful tenderness. Mr. Wilks plunged hastily into conversation.
"She came over 'ere to tell me a bit o' news," he said, eyeing the young man doubtfully. "It seems that Teddy——"
Mr. Nugent fetched a mighty sigh and shook his head; Mrs. Silk gazed at him earnestly.
"Life is full of surprises, sir," she remarked.
"And sadness," added Mr. Nugent. "I hope that they will be happy."