“Ten o'clock precisely. Direct Larkins to send me some flowers—cut flowers; and tell him to come, too. We'll do the thing in style.”
“Nothing shall be neglected. I know how particular you are,” replied Dapp. “But won't you take one of these?” he added, placing a dish of pates before them.
Just then he was obliged to leave his friends to attend to some customers. When a couple of pates had been devoured, Tankard and his companion arose, and quitted the shop.
“Who is that tall young man?” remarked one of the customers at the counter.
“Mr. Walter Liddel,” replied Dapp.
“I don't think that's the name,” said the individual. “I've heard it before, and feel almost certain it's not Liddel.”
Dapp made no remark at the time; but he afterwards pondered a little upon the matter.
“He's a very singular fellow, that Walter Liddel,” he thought. “I expect he'll turn out a Claimant of some sort, or he may be a dook in disguise. Shouldn't wonder.”