Mr. Bullsom abandoned his position precipitately, and his face
expressed his lively satisfaction.

"Ah!" he exclaimed. "I was hoping that you would have a bite for me.
As I said to Mr. Brooks when I asked him to drop in with me, there's
sure to be something to eat. And I can tell you I'm about ready for
it."

Brooks found an opportunity to speak almost for the first time. He was
standing between the two Misses Bullsom, and already they had approved
of him. He was distinctly of a different class from the casual visitors
whom their father was in the habit of introducing into the family
circle.

"Mr. Bullsom was kind enough to take pity on an unfortunate bachelor,"
he said, with a pleasant smile. "My landlady has few faults, but an
over-love of punctuality is one of them. By this time she and her
household are probably in bed. Our meeting lasted a long time."

"If you will touch the bell, Peter," Mrs. Bullsom remarked, "Ann shall
dish up the supper."

The young ladies exchanged shocked glances. "Dish up." What an
abominable phrase! They looked covertly at their guest, but his face
was imperturbable.

"We think that we have been very considerate, Mr. Brooks," Selina
remarked, with an engaging smile. "We gave up our usual dinner this
evening as papa had to leave so early."