"All right, old chap," returned the other easily. "I didn't want to
move; only manners maketh man--I always was the pink of courtesy and
politeness, don't you know. Ask old Dinah, and she will tell you."

"Oh yes, we all know that," returned Malcolm drily. "Now, will you
answer my question--what brings you up to Lincoln's Inn in this
unexpected manner?"

"Keep cool, old fellow, and take a seat, and I will tell you,"
returned the lad in a patronising tone. "You see I am staying at
Teddington. Fred Courtenay was spliced yesterday, and I had promised
to be at the show."

"Oh, I forgot Courtenay was to be married yesterday," muttered
Malcolm.

"It went off all right," continued Cedric. "No one forbade the
banns, and the happy couple drove away with half-a-dozen satin
slippers reposing on the roof of the carriage. But now the business
is over, it is a trifle dull. Fred's sisters are all in the
schoolroom, you know, so I told Mrs. Courtenay that I had a pressing
engagement in town."

"Oh, I begin to see light."

"I did some shopping in the Strand, and then I thought I would look
you up in your grimy old diggings. My word, we are going to have a
storm, Herrick," as a flash of lightning lit up the dark room.

"Yes, but it will soon be over, and you are in no hurry to catch