When?
Just now, my boy!--and a good time, too, as you'll see." "Why ?" asked Copplestone.
"Best hour of the evening," replied Gilling with glib assurance.
"Landladies enjoying an hour of ease before beginning to cook supper for their lodgers, now busy on the stage.

Always ready to talk, theatrical landladies, when they've nothing to do.

Trust me for knowing the ropes!--come round to the stage door and let's ask the keeper a question or two." But before they had quitted the foyer an interruption came in the shape of a shrewd-looking gentleman in evening dress, who wore his opera hat at a rakish angle and seemed to be very much at home as he strolled about, hands in pockets, looking around him at all and sundry.

He suddenly caught sight of Gilling, smiled surprisedly and expansively, and came forward with outstretched hand.
"Bless our hearts, is it really yourself, dear boy!" exclaimed this apparition.

"Really, now?
And what brings you here--God bless my soul and eyes--why I haven't seen you this--how long is it, dear boy!" "Three years," answered Gilling, promptly clasping the outstretched hand.
"But what are you doing here--boss, eh ?" "Lessee's manager, dear boy--nice job, too," whispered the other.