"Then I'll lend a helping hand. I shall lose my fees and the laced coat. But it's better to have the bride without the weddin' dress, than the weddin' dress without the bride."
At this moment, Saint Sepulchre's clock struck six.
"Close the wicket, Austin," vociferated Ireton, in an authoritative tone.
"Good bye!" cried Jack, as if taking leave of his mistresses, "to-morrow, at the same time."
"We'll be punctual," replied Mrs. Maggot. "Good bye, Jack! Keep up your spirits."
"Now for it!—life or death!" exclaimed Jack, assuming the gait of a female, and stepping towards the door.
As Austin rose to execute his principal's commands, and usher the women to the gate, Mrs. Spurling and Marvel rose too. The latter walked carelessly towards the hatch, and leaning his back against the place whence the spike had been removed, so as completely to hide it, continued smoking his pipe as coolly as if nothing had happened.
Just as Jack gained the entrance, he heard a man's footstep behind him, and aware that the slightest indiscretion would betray him, he halted, uncertain what to do.
"Stop a minute, my dear," cried Austin. "You forget that you promised me a kiss the last time you were here."
"Won't one from me do as well?" interposed Mrs. Maggot.