I was not obliged to tell him everything, to be sure; but then, no more was I obliged to try to deceive him when I did tell him.

At any rate, I felt a trifle irritated, and the rest of our walk proceeded in silence till we reached Style Street.

Here we found Billy at his old sport, but evidently expecting us.
"Shine 'e boots, governor!" cried he, with a profound grin.
Jack put his foot upon the box, and the young artist fell-to work instantly.
"I'll stroll on," I said, out of humour, and anxious to be alone.
"All serene!" replied Jack, solemnly as usual.
By the time he turned up at Beadle Square I had somewhat recovered my equanimity, and the rest of the evening was spent in talking about indifferent matters, and avoiding all serious topics.

Among other things, I told Jack of the expected addition to the staff at Hawk Street, which interested him greatly, especially as the new-comer was to work in the Import department.
"I hope he'll be a nice fellow," he said.

"What's his name ?" "I don't know.