found a card in his letter-case, and Henry took it near the
light to examine the wording.

"'Fred W. Bulpert,'" he read. "'Society Entertainer and Elocutionist.'"

"That's in the evenings, of course," said Bulpert. "By day, I'm in the
West Central district. Post Office, to tell you the truth. I'll
trouble you for the card back, because I'm running somewhat short of
them. And if you should be arranging a concert at any time, either for
your own benefit or any body else's, you might bear me in mind. F. W.
B. is a great draw, if I may say so, because, you see, a lot of people
have heard him before."

The customer asked whether there was an underground station near; Mrs.
Mills instructed Gertie to walk along with the young gentleman, and to
point out the building. As they left, she urged Henry not to forget
his promise concerning the roses.

"Nice, quiet-spoken lad," she commented. "I wish Gertie would take up
with some one like him, or even you, and forget all about that society
young man she's been seen strolling with."

"I hadn't heard about that," said Bulpert seriously. "What are the
solid facts of the matter? Why am I kept in the dark about everything?"

CHAPTER III.

Mr. Trew, off duty, and carrying his whip, came to Praed Street late on
a Saturday night, and his look of anxiety disappeared at once when he
saw that Mrs. Mills and her niece were on excellent terms with each
other. He explained that there was no time to spare, because his old
landlady had a hot supper ready, and it was not wise, on these
occasions, to keep her or the meal waiting. He delivered his news.
Pleasant, elderly gent on the front seat started conversation by
talking about prison life, and Trew gave some particulars of a case
with which he was acquainted. One subject leading to another, the gent
said, as the omnibus was crossing Oxford Street, "Driver, do you ever
go to the Zoological Gardens on a Sunday afternoon?" and thereupon
handed over the two tickets, expressing a hope that the visit would be
enjoyed by the other and his wife.

"And me being nothing more than a lonely bachelor," said Trew, "I
thought perhaps the little missy here might favour me with her company."

"It'll do her the world of good," declared Mrs. Mills.

They met the next day near the West Entrance at half-past three. Mr.
Trew, arriving early, had been listening to oratory at different
groups, and he mentioned to Gertie that in his opinion s