They hinted that it was my fault. Of course, I said
nothing; I never do in such cases. But--this morning I had breakfast
in bed."
He spoke with eyes half closed and an odd vibration of the upper
lip, then broke into a laugh.
"You're an independent party, you are," said Mrs. Bubb, eyeing him
with admiration.
"It was always more than I could do to stand a hint of that kind.
Not so long ago I used to lose my temper, but I've taken pattern by
Polly--I mean Miss Sparkes--and now I do it quietly. That reminds
me"--his look changed to seriousness--"do you know anyone of the
name of Quodling?"
Polly--to whom he spoke--answered with a dry negative.
"Sure? Try and think if you ever heard your uncle speak of the
name."
The girl's eyes fell as if, for some reason, she felt a momentary
embarrassment. It passed, but in replying she looked away from Mr.
Gammon.
"Quodling? Never heard it--why?"
"Why, there is a man called Quodling who might be your uncle's twin
brother--he looks so like him. I caught sight of him in the City,
and tracked him till I got to know his place of business and his
name.
Pages:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35