"I--I forgot it," said the old man.
"Forgot it!" repeated the incensed Mr. Wright.
"What did you think I was coughing like that for--fun?"
"I forgot it," said the old man, doggedly. "Besides, if you take my
advice, you'd better let me stay a little longer to make sure of things."
Mr. Wright laughed disagreeably. "I dare say," he said; "but I am
managing this affair, not you. Now, you go round to-morrow afternoon and
tell them you're off. D'ye hear? D'ye think I'm made of money? And
what do you mean by making such a fuss of that fool, Charlie Hills? You
know he is after Bella."
He walked the rest of the way home in indignant silence, and, after
giving minute instructions to Mr. Kemp next morning at breakfast, went
off to work in a more cheerful frame of mind. Mr. Kemp was out when he
returned, and after making his toilet he followed him to Mrs. Bradshaw's.
To his annoyance, he found Mr. Hills there again; and, moreover, it soon
became clear to him that Mr. Kemp had said nothing about his approaching
departure. Coughs and scowls passed unheeded, and at last in a
hesitating voice, he broached the subject himself. There was a general
chorus of lamentation.
"I hadn't got the heart to tell you," said Mr.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25