"You like it, Harry?"
Harry laughed. "Why not?" he said. "You see I am independent, practically. They pay me pretty well according to the work that comes in. Plain work, you see—joiners' work."
"Yes, yes, I see. But how long, my boy—how long?"
"Well, sir, I cannot say. Why not all my life?"
Lord Jocelyn groaned.
"I admit," said Harry, "that if things were different I should have gone back to you long ago. But now I cannot, unless——"
"Unless what?"
"Unless the girl who keeps me here goes away herself or bids me go."
"Then you are really engaged to the dress—I mean—the young lady?"
"No, I am not. Nor has she shown the least sign of accepting me. Yet I am her devoted and humble servant."