Ha! ha! ha! Excuse me, Mr. Gilmore. I must have my little joke.”
“Little enough,” I remarked. “The joke is just worth the odd farthing it was made for.”
Mr. Merriman was delighted. He laughed over my retort till the room rang again. I was not half so good-humoured on my side; I came back to business, and closed the interview.
“This is Friday,” I said. “Give us till Tuesday next for our final answer.”
“By all means,” replied Mr. Merriman. “Longer, my dear sir, if you like.” He took up his
me in speechless and motionless terror.
“Don’t be frightened,” I said. “Surely you remember me?”
I stopped while I spoke—then advanced a few steps gently—then stopped again—and so approached by little and little till I was close to her. If there had been any doubt still left in my mind, it must