Clovis had the
presence of mind to maintain a composed exterior; privately he was
calculating how long it would take to procure a box of fancy mice
through the agency of the EXCHANGE AND MART as a species of hush-
money.
Even in a delicate situation like the present, Agnes Resker could
not endure to remain too long in the-background.
"Why did I ever come down here she asked dramatically.
Tobermory immediately accepted the opening.
"Judging by what you said to Mrs. Cornett on the croquet-lawn
yesterday, you were out for food. You described the Blemleys as
the dullest people to stay with that you knew, but said they were
clever enough to employ a first-rate cook; otherwise they'd find
it difficult to get anyone to come down a second time."
"There's not a word of truth in it! I appeal to Mrs. Cornett--"
exclaimed the discomfited Agnes.
"Mrs. Cornett repeated your remark afterwards to Bertie van Tahn,"
continued Tobermory, "and said, 'That woman is a regular Hunger
Marcher; she'd go anywhere for four square meals a day,' and
Bertie van Tahn said--"
At this point the chronicle mercifully ceased. Tobermory had
caught a glimpse of the big yellow Tom from the Rectory working
his way through the shrubbery towards the stable wing.
Pages:
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48