This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
190
Maxwell and I.

our appearance by the drabby servant girl was greeted. "We have come about some apartments which you advertise in your window."

"Here, you gal!" shouted Captain Talboys.

The drabby girl made her appearance at the door.

"'Partments. Take 'em up," was the brief form of words in which he explained the object of our visit to the servant.

The fat Jew had been staring at Maxwell and at me rather anxiously for a minute or two, and just as we turned to leave the room he said, "Beg pardon, gents, but I think I'm speaking to Messrs. Maxwell and Bailey, ain't I?"

We had determined on two imaginary names, which we had arranged to give if any names had been demanded of us; but as the small Jew appeared to know us, we were fain to admit the truth of his assertion.

"I thort so. Here, Captain, these gents is Maxwell and Bailey, the dramatic horthers. You've 'eard on 'em, Captain; don't say yer ain't 'eard on 'em! Saw that farce o' yourn, 'Up in the World,' gents. Best thing eversornalmilife! best thing eversornalmilife! You know, Captain; chap up the chimney—you know!"

"Oh, ah!" said the Captain, "I know fast enough."

"Very 'appy to make your acquaintance, gents. I'm Mister Abraham Levy, of the Parnassus Music Hall; p'raps you may have 'eard on me. Any night you like to look in upon me, your card's quite sufficient, gents; either on you, or any friends o' yourn."

I said some matter-of-course words, to the effect I should be delighted, I was sure.