“There's nothing to be ashamed of,” said Mr. Stokes, virtuously. “Only, as I said to you at the time, 'Alfred,' I says, 'it's all right for you as a single man, but you might be the twin-brother of a pal o' mine—George Henshaw by name—and if some people was to see you they might think it was 'im Didn't I say that?”
“You did,” said Mr. Bell, helplessly.
“And he wouldn't believe me,” said Mr. Stokes, turning to Mrs. Henshaw. “That's why I brought him round to see George.”
“I should like to see the two of 'em together myself,” said Mrs. Henshaw, quietly. “I should have taken him for my husband anywhere.”
“You wouldn't if you'd seen 'im last night,” said Mr. Stokes, shaking his head and smiling.
“Carrying on again, was he?” inquired Mrs. Henshaw, quickly.
“No!” said Mr. Bell, in a stentorian whisper.
His glance was so fierce that Mr. Stokes almost quailed. “I won't tell tales out of school,” he said, nodding.
“Not if I ask you to?” said Mrs. Henshaw, with a winning smile.
“Ask 'im,” said Mr. Stokes.