Mr.Nelson had something not unlike the carriage and tone of a gentleman; he talked quietly, though light-heartedly, and from remarks he let fall it appeared that he was somehow connected with the decorative arts.

Minnie and he dropped into a discussion of some new ceramic design put forth by Doulton's; they seemed to understand each other, and grew more animated as they exchanged opinions.

The hostess, meanwhile, kept glancing at them with a smile of benevolence.
At the tea table Mr.Nelson gratified Mr.Sparkes by an allusion to almost the only topic--apart from Chaffey's--which could draw that grave man into continuous speech.

Mr.Sparkes had but one recreation, that of angling; for many years he had devoted such hours of summer leisure as Chaffey's granted him to piscatory excursions, were it only as far as the Welsh Harp.

Finding this young man disposed to lend a respectful ear, and to venture intelligent questions, he was presently discoursing at large.
"Chub?
Why chub's a kind of carp, don't you see.