She ran to the window and saw the hunchback and the boy stepping out.

Clara opened the door with an air of surprise, and led them to the parlour where the Duchess was waiting.

Years and misfortune had added to her dignity, and Jonah felt his shop and success and money slip away from him, leaving him the street-arab sprung from the gutter before this aristocrat.

Ray took to her at once, and climbed into her lap, bringing her heart into her mouth as he rubbed his feet on the famous black silk.
"I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I have heard of your romantic career," she said.
"Well, I've got on, there's no denying that," said Jonah.

"Some people think it's luck, but I tell 'em it's 'ard graft." "Exactly," said the Duchess, wondering what he meant by graft.
Jonah looked round the stuffy room.