 said Young John, »that I intruded upon
him when he was over here in London. On the whole he was of opinion that it was
an intrusion, though he was so good as to ask me to sit down and to inquire
after father and all other old friends. Leastways humblest acquaintances. He
looked, to me, a good deal changed, and I said so when I came back. I asked him
if Miss Amy was well -«
    »And she was?«
    »I should have thought you would have known without putting the question to
such as me,« returned Young John, after appearing to take a large invisible
pill. »Since you do put me the question, I am sorry I can't answer it. But the
truth is, he looked upon the inquiry as a liberty, and said, What was that to
me? It was then I became quite aware I was intruding: of which I had been
fearful before. However, he spoke very handsome afterwards; very handsome.«
    They were both silent for several minutes: except that Young John remarked,
at about the middle of the pause, »He both spoke and acted very handsome.«
    It was again Young John who broke the silence, by inquiring:
    »If it's not a liberty, how long may it be your intentions, sir, to go
without eating and drinking?«
    »I have not felt the want of anything yet,« returned Clennam. »I have no
appetite just now.«
    »The more reason why you should take some support, sir,« urged Young John.
»If you find yourself going on sitting here for hours and hours partaking of no
refreshment because you have no appetite, why then you should and must partake
of refreshment without an appetite. I'm going to have tea in my own apartment.
If it's not a liberty, please to come and take a cup. Or I can bring a tray
here, in two minutes.«
    Feeling that Young John would impose that trouble on himself if he refused,
and also feeling anxious to show that he bore in mind both the elder Mr.
Chivery's entreaty, and the younger Mr. Chivery's apology, Arthur rose and
expressed his willingness to take a cup of tea in Mr. John's apartment. Young
John locked his door for him as they went out, slided the key into his pocket
with great dexterity, and led the way to his own residence.
    It was at the top of the house nearest to the gateway. It
