THE * POWERS' THAT BE. 173 



' No, no ! go on, Greening ! I like to hear you.' 



' Well, I've done, i' faith ! clean out, like. I'm 

 your listener for half an hour more, if you can 

 spare it.' 



' Can you promise that ? I've had many a useful 

 hint from you Could you sit and listen to my 

 nonsense now, just for half an hour, straight on end 

 no snoring allowed, mind ! and what if I were 

 to read it, instead of speaking? Now don't look 

 frightened! it isn't a book only a few sheets of 

 paper poked away in a drawer somewhere, and 

 scribbled over: fancy it a long letter from your ever 

 affectionate brother beyond the sea, or a notice from 

 your landlord that he's going to lower your rent, 

 and giving all his reasons for it. Don't you think 

 you could keep your eyes open ? ' 



'Well, I think I could! But I hope it's in 

 " words o' two syllables : " that's all I bargain for ; 

 and I'm your man now. No time like present 

 time!' 



A few short steps homewards; a long rummaging 

 over a drawer of papers ; a great deal of settling 

 down comfortably in arm-chairs ; and, I'm afraid, a 

 couple of cigars, followed this sudden resolution ; 

 and Mr. Greening looked wide awake, as the other. 



