Mr.Wilks changed colour too, and in an awkward fashion rose to receive Miss Nugent.
"Late as usual, Sam," said the girl, sinking into a chair.

Then she caught sight of Hardy, who was standing by the door.
[Illustration: "She caught sight of Hardy."] "It's a long time since you and I met, Miss Nugent," he said, bowing.
"Mr.Hardy ?" said the girl, doubtfully.
"Yes, miss," interposed Mr.Wilks, anxious to explain his position.

"He called in to see me; quite a surprise to me it was.

I 'ardly knowed him." "The last time we three met," said Hardy, who to his host's discomfort had resumed his chair, "Wilks was thrashing me and you were urging him on." Kate Nugent eyed him carefully.

It was preposterous that this young man should take advantage of a boy and girl acquaintance of eleven years before--and such an acquaintance!--in this manner.