Read "The Temptation of Samuel Burge" by W.W. Jacobs online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Mr. Higgs, jeweller, sat in the small parlour behind his shop, gazing / hungrily at a supper-table which had been laid some time before. It was / a quarter to ten by the small town clock on the mantelpiece, and the / jeweller rubbing his hands over the fire tried in vain to remember what / etiquette had to say about starting a meal before the arrival of an / expected guest.
"He must be coming by the last train after all, sir," said the / housekeeper entering the room and glancing at the clock. "I suppose / these London gentlemen keep such late hours they don't understand us / country folk wanting to get to bed in decent time. You must be wanting / your supper, sir."