Sir Richard's visits to Milman Street were always accompanied by
numerous suggestions as to criminals whose claims to be included in
this literary chamber of horrors were in his, Sir Richard's, opinion
unquestionable. The English character of the compilation was soon
sacrificed in order to admit notable malefactors of other
nationalities, and the drain upon the editor's small capital became
greater than ever.

The leisure that he allowed himself, Borrow spent in exploring the
city, or in the company of Francis Arden (Ardrey in Lavengro), whom
he had met by chance in the coffee-room of a hotel. The two appear
to have been excellent friends, perhaps because of the dissimilarity
of their natures. "He was an Irishman," Borrow explains, "I an
Englishman; he fiery, enthusiastic and opened-hearted; I neither
fiery, enthusiastic, nor open-hearted; he fond of pleasure and
dissipation, I of study and reflection." {46d}

They went to the play together, to dog-fights, gaming-houses, in
short saw the sights of London. The arrival of Francis Arden at 16
Milman Street was a signal for books and manuscripts to be thrown
aside in favour either of some expedition or an hour or two's
conversation. Borrow, however, soon tired of the pleasures of
London, and devoted himself almost entirely to work. Although he saw
less of Francis Arden in consequence, they continued to be excellent
friends.

After being some four weeks in London, Borrow received a surprise
visit (29th April) from his brother, whom he found waiting for him