''It''s Gentleman,'' I said; and Phil at once put his knife away, and spat, and went back to the brazier. Mrs Sucksby, however, turned in her chair, the baby twisting its scarlet face from her bosom and opening its mouth.
''Gentleman!'' she cried. The baby started shrieking, and Charley Wag, let free by John, dashed barking to Gentleman and put his paws upon his coat. ''What a turn you gave us! Dainty, take a taper to them candles. Put the water on the fire, for a pot.''
''We thought you was the blues,'' I said, as Gentleman came into the kitchen.
''I believe I am turned blue,'' he answered. He set down his bag, and shivered, and took off his sodden hat and gloves and then his dripping greatcoat, which at once began to steam. He rubbed his hands together, then passed them over his head. He kept his hair and whiskers long and now, the rain having taken the kink from them, they seemed longer than ever, and dark, and sleek. There were rings at his fingers, and a watch, with a jewel on the chain, at his waistcoat. I knew without studying them that the rings and the watch were snide, and the jewel a paste one; but they were damn fine counterfeits.
The room grew brighter as Dainty saw to the lights. Gentleman looked about him, still rubbing his hands together and nodding.
''How do you do, Mr Ibbs?'' he called easily. ''How do you do, lads?''