"But you're coming back?" said Mr. Hills.

"O' course I am," was the reply. "George is the only relation I've got,
and I've got to look after him, I suppose. After all, blood is thicker
than water."

"Hear, hear!" said Mrs. Bradshaw, piously.

"And there's you and Bella," continued Mr. Kemp; "two of the best that
ever breathed."

The ladies looked down.

"And Charlie Hills; I don't know--I don't know when I've took such a
fancy to anybody as I have to 'im. If I was a young gal--a single young
gal--he's--the other half," he said, slowly, as he paused--"just the one I
should fancy. He's a good-'arted, good-looking----"

"Draw it mild," interrupted the blushing Mr. Hills as Mr. Wright bestowed
a ferocious glance upon the speaker.

"Clever, lively young fellow," concluded Mr. Kemp. "George!"

"Yes," said Mr. Wright.

"I'm going now. I've got to catch the train for Southampton, but I don't
want you to come with me. I prefer to be alone. You stay here and cheer
them up. Oh, and before I forget it, lend me a couple o' pounds out o'
that fifty I gave you last night. I've given all my small change away."