the front stairs being intended for everybody, and being both slow and uncertain, whereas the back stairs are quick and sure, and are used only for those who are favoured.  Miles Grendall had the command of the stairs, and found that he had plenty to do in keeping people in their right courses.  Mr Longestaffe reached Abchurch Lane before one,—­having altogether failed in getting a moment’s private conversation with the big man on that other Friday, when he had come later.  He fell at once into Miles’s hands, and was ushered through the front stairs passage and into the front stairs waiting-room, with much external courtesy.  Miles Grendall was very voluble.  Did Mr Longestaffe want to see Mr Melmotte?  Oh;—­Mr Longestaffe wanted to see Mr Melmotte as soon as possible!  Of...