And the worst of it is--why should I conceal it from you ?--the worst of it is that you're called Ezra Thomas.

Now,' said Michael, with a really appalling seriousness of manner, 'tell me who we are.' The unfortunate little man was cross-examined till he knew these facts by heart.
'There!' cried the lawyer.

'Our plans are laid.

Thoroughly consistent--that's the great thing.' 'But I don't understand,' objected Pitman.
'O, you'll understand right enough when it comes to the point,' said Michael, rising.
'There doesn't seem any story to it,' said the artist.
'We can invent one as we go along,' returned the lawyer.
'But I can't invent,' protested Pitman.

'I never could invent in all my life.' 'You'll find you'll have to, my boy,' was Michael's easy comment, and he began calling for the waiter, with whom he at once resumed a sparkling conversation.
It was a downcast little man that followed him.