"She's thinking of an archbishop," remarked Bulpert, coming forward. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. Daresay you know me by name."  He found a card in his letter-case, and Henry took it near the light to examine the wording. 

 "'Fred W. Bulpert,'" he read.  "'Society Entertainer and Elocutionist.'" 

 "That's in the evenings, of course," said Bulpert.  "By day, I'm in the West Central district. Post Office, to tell you the truth. I'll trouble you for the card back, because I'm running somewhat short of them. And if you should be arranging a concert at any time, either for your own benefit or any body else's, you might bear me in mind. F. W. B. is a great draw, if I may say so, because, you see, a lot of people have heard him before." 

 The customer asked whether there was an underground station near; Mrs. Mills instructed Gertie to walk along with the young gentleman, and to point out the building. As they left, she urged Henry not to forget his promise concerning the roses. 

 "Nice, quiet-spoken lad," she commented.  "I wish Gertie would take up with some one like him, or even you, and forget all about that society young man she's been seen strolling with." 

 "I hadn't heard about that," said Bulpert seriously.  "What are the solid facts of the matter? Why am I kept in the dark about everything?" 

 

 

 CHAPTER III. 

 Mr. Trew, off duty, and carrying his whip, came to Praed Street late on a Saturday night, and his look of anxiety disappeared at once when he saw that Mrs. Mills and her niece were on excellent terms with each other. He explained that there was no time to spare, because his old landlady had a hot supper ready, and it was not wise, on these occasions, to keep her or the meal waiting. He delivered his news. Pleasant, elderly gent on the front seat started conversation by talking about prison life, and Trew gave some particulars of a case with which he was acquainted. One subject leading to another, the gent said, as the omnibus was crossing Oxford Street, "Driver, do you ever go to the Zoological Gardens on a Sunday afternoon?" and thereupon handed over the two tickets, expressing a hope that the visit would be enjoyed by the other and his wife. 

 "And me being nothing more than a lonely bachelor," said Trew, "I thought perhaps the little missy here might favour me with her 

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