smiled, and tried to look as cunning as a monkey. 

 "I'm so glad," went on Mrs. Gray. "It will be such a help; especially as he's a nice man. I should hate to have a grumpy lodger." 

 "I hope he hasn't got a beard," said Gray. "I know you like beards, but I might get jealous." 

 "Don't be horrid, Jim; you know he hasn't got a beard." 

 "Perhaps his hair's red," continued the relentless Jim. "Now I come to think of it, you are rather partial to red hair." 

 "You know it isn't," said Mrs. Gray, with a pout. "You are a tease, Jim." 

 "How do I know," said Jim, innocently, "when I've never seen the man? He may be a Chinaman for all I know." 

 Mrs. Gray ignored this remark, and began to clear the tea. 

 "I like his name," she said presently. 

 "Glad of that," said her husband. "What is it—Piper or Snooks?" 

 "If your name wasn't Jim, Jim, I think I should like it to be George. George is the next best name to Jim." 

 "Oh, his name's George?" 

 "You know it is. And, Jim, supposing you two men——" 

 Mrs. Gray suddenly stopped talking, for her husband had risen from his chair with a terrible frown on his face. Before she could speak he caught her in a grip of iron. 

 "Why, Jim, whatever——" 

 "His name," he said, in a terrible whisper—"tell me his other name." 

 "Don't, Jim; you are silly——" 

 "Quick!" said Gray. "Name! name!" 

 Mrs. Gray gasped. "I don't—Jim——" 

 "Is it Early," said Jim; "George Early?" 

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