" I cannot repeat the interlude with which Billy
Preston favoured us, but it was very spicy indeed, and referred to some
of those sacred secrets which are known to all. For a pillar of the
Church, Billy displayed rather amazing tastes and abilities. Then the
talk fell into decency after the regulation merriment had greeted Mr.
Preston's closing effort.
"How long will you give Jobson to hold out?"
"I don't know. He's into everybody's books all round. I should like to
pick up that pony if he does smash."
"I heard Charley Dunn say that Mrs. Jobson was round at old Burdett's
asking for time. Jimmy Burdett's got a lot of Jobson's paper, and I
shouldn't wonder if he stole a march on the other creditors."
"Well, Jobson's a good sort, but he couldn't last. He's too free with
his money. I never wanted his champagne and his suppers, but you had to
drop in like the others, and there you are."
A strident voice drowned the scandal, and an admiring group ceased
smoking and listened spellbound to a characteristic anecdote.
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