Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. I, 1889.djvu/251

 in the passage at half-past two to-morrow morning, don’t trouble to come down; wait till daylight to see whether they’ve carried off the dresser.”

Bessie screamed with laughter.

“What a fool you are, Sam! If you don’t mind, you’ll be making Jane laugh. You’re sure you’ll be home before dark to-morrow, Jane?”

“Oh, quite sure. Mr. Kirkwood says there’s a train gets to Liverpool Street about seven, and grandfather thought that would suit us.”

“You’ll be here before eight then. Do see that your fire’s out before you leave. And you’ll be sure to pull the door to? And see that the area-gate’s fastened.”

“Can’t you find a few more orders?” observed Samuel.

“Hold your tongue! Jane doesn’t mind; do you, Jane? Now, Sam, are you ready? Bless the man, if he hasn’t got a great piece of bread sticking in his whiskers! How did it get there? Off you go!”