m, walking round the quiet square,
up and down the narrow street that, leading to nowhere in particular, is
between twelve and two somewhat deserted. He carries a paper bag,
into which at intervals, when he is sure nobody is looking, his mouth
disappears. From studying the neighbourhood one can guess what it
contains. Saveloys hereabouts are plentiful and only twopence each.
There are pie shops, where meat pies are twopence and fruit pies a
penny. The lady behind the counter, using deftly a broad, flat knife,
lifts the little dainty with one twist clean from its tiny dish: it is
marvellous, having regard to the thinness of the pastry, that she never
breaks one. Roley-poley pudding, sweet and wonderfully satisfying, more
especially when cold, is but a penny a slice. Peas pudding, though this
is an awkward thing to eat out of a bag, is comforting upon cold days.
Then with his tea he takes two eggs or a haddock, the fourpenny size;
maybe on rare occasions, a chop or steak; and you fry it for him, madam,
though every time he urges on you how much he would prefer it grilled,
for fried in your one frying-pan its flavour becomes somewhat confused.
But maybe this is the better for him, for, shutting his eyes and
trusting only to smell and flavour, he can imagine himself enjoying
variety. He can begin with herrings, pass on to liver and bacon, opening
his eyes again for a moment perceive that he has now arrived at the
joint, and closing them again, wind up with distinct suggestion of
toasted cheese, thus avoiding monotony. For dinner he goes out again.
Maybe he is not hungry, late meals are a mistake; or, maybe, putting
his hand into his pocket and making calculations beneath a lamp-post,
appetite may come to him. Then there are places cheerful with the sound
of frizzling fat, where fried plaice brown and odorous may be had for
three halfpence, and a handful of sliced potatoes for a penny; where for
fourpence succulent stewed eels may be discussed; vinegar ad lib.; or
for sevenpence--but these are red-letter evenings--half a sheep's head
may be indulged in, which is a supper fit for any king, who happened to
be hungry.

I explain that I will discuss the matter with my young friend when he
arrives. The landlady says, "Certainly, sir:" she is used to what she
calls the "wandering Christian;" and easing my conscience by slipping a
shilling into the "slavey's" astonished, lukewarm hand, I pass out
again into the long, dreary street,