nd knock at the door of the fair Rosina's room. The next minute he
returned.

"It's all right," he explained; "she's not in yet. Now, sing for all
you're worth. Remember, it's for life and freedom."

I sang "Sally in Our Alley," not with much spirit, I am inclined to
think. With every mention of the lady's name there rose before me the
abundant form and features of my _fiancee_, which checked the feeling
that should have trembled through my voice. But Jarman, though not
enthusiastic, was content.

"It isn't what I call a grand opera voice," he commented, "but it ought
to do all right for a chorus where economy is the chief point to be
considered. Now, I'll tell you what to do. You go to-morrow straight to
the O'Kelly, and put the whole thing before 'im. 'E's a good sort; 'e'll
touch you up a bit, and maybe give you a few introductions. Lucky for
you, this is just the right time. There's one or two things comin'
on, and if Fate ain't dead against you, you'll lose your amorita, or
whatever it's called, and not find 'er again till it's too late."

I was not in the mood that evening to feel hopeful about anything; but I
thanked both of them for their kind intentions and promised to think
the suggestion over on the morrow, when, as it was generally agreed, I
should be in a more fitting state to bring cool judgment to bear upon
the subject; and they rose to take their departure.

Leaving Minikin to descend alone, Jarman returned the next minute.
"Consols are down a bit this week," he whispered, with the door in his
hand. "If you want a little of the ready to carry you through, don't
go sellin' out. I can manage a few pounds. Suck a couple of lemons and
you'll be all right in the morning. So long."

I followed his advice regarding the lemons, and finding it correct, went
to the office next morning as usual. Lott & Co., in consideration of my
agreeing to a deduction of two shillings on the week's salary, allowed
himself to overlook the matter. I had intended acting on Jarman' S
advice, to call upon the O'Kelly at his address of respectability in
Hampstead that evening, and had posted him a note saying I was coming.
Before leaving the office, however, I received a reply to the effect
that he would be out that evening, and asking me to make it the
following Friday instead. Disappointed, I returned to my lodgings in a
depressed state of mind. Jarman 's scheme, which had appeared hopeful
and even attractive during the daytime