W. Pett Ridge

“ William Finnis protested against this, but a compromise was effected which arranged that Mr. Ladd was not to interfere in the matter; that Mr. Ladd was to efface himself, as it were, and on no account presume to come to the cycle-shop at Lewisham; but that Miss Ladd should be allowed to see to the removals, and to call once a week afterwards to visit Trafalgar, and to sing to that youth extraordinary nursery rhymes that always caused the infant to wreathe his little face into one comprehensive smile. ”

“ Ladd with gravity, 'I can talk, but I can't walk. Some people in my condition can walk, but can't talk; some can neither walk nor talk. That in my humble 'pinion shows want of breeding.'
'How're you going to get 'ome to your town 'ouse?' asked Alfred.
'On all fours,' hiccoughed Mr. Ladd.
A red-haired man, who had been standing out of sight behind a dog-cart, now strolled round. He nodded to Alfred, and made his way through the circle. ”

“ The infant, looking around, summoned Alfred with a scream of recognition, and Alfred was obliged to come forward.
'You've often 'eard me speak of my old—I mean my mistress, Elf, who was always so good to me? She seems to think she remembers you.'
'I used to get about a bit in my single days,' remarked Alfred humorously. 'Since I've been married I ain't had a moment to call me own.'
'Don't you believe him, miss,' begged Caroline good-temperedly.
'You ought to be proud of your wife. ”

“ There would be adventure in it, and sudden income of money, and time between the grand efforts to enjoy laziness. To a man who had to work, as he had had to do of late, the world offered little but monotony; he knew precisely the amount of money that would come to him at the end of each week ”

“ The owner of the smartest machine came out, and entering into conversation in a frank, commercial-traveller way, gave to each a card of his firm, and mentioned that his firm's motto was 'Scorch Along.' On William Finnis asking diffidently whether the adoption of this motto would prevent the firm from considering any new improvement that a man might make, he was immediately informed that the contrary was the case. ”

“ The baby cooed argumentatively at this, puckering his small forehead, and Caroline contested the point with a fine assumption of earnestness, but presently gave in, acknowledging the baby to be entirely in the right; whereupon baby gurgled and closed his preposterous little mouth with a satisfied expression that said: 'It's of no use you women trying to argue with a man. ”

“ It was good to be free of the ex-cornet's wife, and the nearness to that lady's rooms, where there seemed always a scent of yesterday's beer; good to be able to come and go without running the gauntlet of the ironical matrons of East Street. ”

“ He grew red under the critical gaze of Caroline's late mistress, and went over to William Finnis. She gave some further instructions about the damaged bicycle, found a gold piece in her parse for Trafalgar, which that youth essayed, as a first step towards thrift, to swallow, and said good-bye to Caroline with a touch of affection that softened her hard manner.
'If ever you are in any trouble, Caroline,' she said in a low voice, 'then send for me. And bring your baby. ”

“ Means that I've discovered there's money in this cycle business. Means'—here William Finnis lowered his voice—'that I've got an idea for an improvement in bicycles and I b'lieve there's money in that, too.'
'Well, I am blowed!' said Alfred. 'I never thought there was so much in you.'
'Baby say "Ooray for Mr. Finnis!"' ordered Caroline. The infant's small boiled sausage of an arm was waved by Caroline, who, listening attentively to the crowing, declared, in the manner of an interpreter, that baby had said: 'Here's wishing good luck and long life to Mr. Finnis' ”