"And now, as I happen
to have an appointment at the other end of the town, I really must
say good-bye. I repeat, Miss Sparkes, you may trust me absolutely. I
have your interests and those of my friend Gammon--the same thing
now--thoroughly at heart. You will hear from his lordship, Miss
Sparkes--no, hang it, Miss Polly. You will very soon have a line
from his lordship, who, I may venture to say, is really attached to
you. He speaks of you all most touchingly. Good evening, Miss Polly,
not good-bye; we are to meet again very soon. And who knows all the
happy changes that are before you. Ta-ta, Gammon. Rely upon me; I
never failed a friend yet."
So saying he took his leave with bows and flourishes. Shortly after
Polly and Gammon went into the superior room of the tavern and had
tea together, talking at a great rate, one as excited as the other.
Miss Sparkes being already attired for her evening duties they
parted only when they were obliged to do so, agreeing to meet again
when Polly left the theatre.
To pass this interval of time Mr.
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