"Because no nasty corners in them to hold the dirt. Mr.
Anderson--he's below-has crinkly noctagons, and one wouldn't
believe the difference. It was I bought these for Mr. Elliot. His
one thought is to save one trouble. I never seed such a
thoughtful gentleman. The world, I say, will be the better for
him." She took the teacups into the gyp room, and then returned
with the tablecloth, and added, "if he's spared."

"I'm afraid he isn't strong," said Agnes.

"Oh, miss, his nose! I don't know what he'd say if he knew I
mentioned his nose, but really I must speak to someone, and he
has neither father nor mother. His nose! It poured twice with
blood in the Long."

"Yes?"

"It's a thing that ought to be known. I assure you, that little
room!... And in any case, Mr. Elliot's a gentleman that can ill
afford to lose it. Luckily his friends were up; and I always say
they're more like brothers than anything else."

"Nice for him. He has no real brothers."

"Oh, Mr. Hornblower, he is a merry gentleman, and Mr. Tilliard
too! And Mr. Elliot himself likes his romp at times. Why, it's
the merriest staircase in the buildings! Last night the bedmaker
from W said to me,'What are you doing to my gentlemen? Here's Mr.
Ansell come back 'ot with his collar flopping.' I said, 'And a