His knock at the hall door was answered by Tommy Dove, who assured him that both his father and mother were having high tea with shrimps and watercresses in the back parlor.
Noel said he wanted to see Dove on business, and Tommy, remarking that the back parlor was as good a place as any other for this purpose, ushered the visitor in direct.
"I believe you are a painter," said Noel--"I have chambers at Westminster, and want to have my balcony and front windows painted.
I've heard of you through the Miss Mainwarings, and as I'm in a hurry to get the job completed at once, I have called round to know if you are disengaged." "Of course you are, Dove," said his wife.
"Softly, my only love," replied her husband.

"Sir, be pleased to take a seat.

I shall be glad to do my best for you, and any recommendation from the young ladies you mention is most gratifying to me.

Sweet young ladies they was, and ever will be--and my wife and me, we mourns unceasing for their departure." "Speak for yourself, Dove," said the wife--"we are doing better with our present attics than we ever did with our late attics.

Sir, you'll excuse me, but truthful I ever will be at all costs." "Can you paint my windows or not ?" said Noel, rising to his feet, and speaking with some asperity.