'I don't want to hear your loathsome confessions; can't you understand?
'It isn't a loathsome confession, said Philbrick. 'It's a story of love. I think it is without exception the most beautiful story I know.
'I daresay you have heard of Sir Solomon Philbrick?
'No, said Paul.
'What, never heard of old Solly Philbrick?
'No; why?
'Because that's me. And I can tell you this. It's a pretty well‑known name across the river. You've only to say Solly Philbrick, of the "Lamb and Flag", anywhere south of Waterloo Bridge to see what fame is. Try it.
'I will one day.
'Mind you, when I say Sir Solomon Philbrick, that's only a bit of fun, see? That's what the boys call me. Plain Mr Solomon Philbrick I am, really, just like you or him, with a jerk of the thumb towards the playing‑fields, from which Mr Prendergast's voice could be heard crying weakly: 'Oh, do get into line, you beastly boys, 'but Sir Solomon's what they call me. Out of respect, see?
'When I say, "Are you ready? Go!" I want you to go, Mr Prendergast could be heard saying. 'Are you ready? Go! Oh, why don't you go? And his voice became drowned in shrill cries of protest.