'I am here much earlier than I intended, Tom; but I will tell you, what
brings me, and I think I can answer for your being glad to hear it. Is
that anything you wish to show me?'
'Oh dear no!' cried Tom, who had forgotten the blotted scrap of paper
in his hand, until this inquiry brought it to his recollection. '"A
respectable young man, aged thirty-five"--The beginning of a description
of myself. That's all.'
'I don't think you will have occasion to finish it, Tom. But how is it
you never told me you had friends in London?'
Tom looked at his sister with all his might; and certainly his sister
looked with all her might at him.
'Friends in London!' echoed Tom.
'Ah!' said Westlock, 'to be sure.'
'Have YOU any friends in London, Ruth, my dear!' asked Tom.
'No, Tom.'
'I am very happy to hear that I have,' said Tom, 'but it's news to me. I
never knew it. They must be capital people to keep a secret, John.'
'You shall judge for yourself,' returned the other. 'Seriously, Tom,
here is the plain state of the case. As I was sitting at breakfast this
morning, there comes a knock at my door.
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