"
Waymark, in his desperate straits, all but persuaded himself that he
told the truth. Mr. Woodstock gazed at him in doubt. He would give
him to the end of July to make up his mind; by that time Waymark
must either present himself as a free man, or allow Ida to be
informed of his position. In the meanwhile he must come to Tottenham
not oftener than once a week. To this Waymark agreed, glad of any
respite.
He returned to his lodgings in a state of nervous misery.
Fortunately, he was not left to his thoughts; in a few minutes a
knock at his door announced a visitor in the person of Mr. O'Gree.
The Irishman exhibited his wonted liveliness, and at once began to
relate an incident to the disadvantage of his archenemy.
"Faith," he cried, "I'd have given a trifle if ye could have heard
the conversation between Tootle and me, just after breakfast
yesterday. The boys were filing out of the room, when, 'Mr. O'Gree!'
cries Pendy.--'Sir!' I reply.--'The boys were called late this
morning, I hear.'--'No such thing, sir,' I assure 'um. 'Half-past
six to the minute, by my watch.'--'Oh, _your_ watch, Mr. O'Gree,'
cries the old reprobate. 'I fear your watch doesn't keep very good
time.
Pages:
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477