Kemp obeyed, and the following evening, after sitting a little while
chatting in the shop, was invited into the parlour, where, mindful of Mr.
Wright's instructions, he held his listeners enthralled by tales of past
expenditure. A tip of fifty pounds to his bedroom steward coming over
was characterized by Mrs. Bradshaw as extravagant.
"Seems to be going all right," said Mr. Wright, as the old man made his
report; "but be careful; don't go overdoing it."
Mr. Kemp nodded. "I can turn 'em round my little finger," he said.
"You'll have Bella all to yourself to-morrow evening."
Mr. Wright flushed. "How did you manage that?" he inquired. "It's the
first time she has ever been out with me alone."
"She ain't coming out," said Mr. Kemp. "She's going to stay at home and
mind the shop; it's the mother what's coming out. Going to spend the
evening with me!"
Mr. Wright frowned. "What did you do that for?" he demanded, hotly.
"I didn't do it," said Mr. Kemp, equably; "they done it. The old lady
says that, just for once in her life, she wants to see how it feels to
spend money like water."
"
Money like water!" repeated the horrified Mr. Wright. "Money like--
I'll 'money' her--I'll----"
"It don't matter to me," said Mr.
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