Personally he
profited by his connexion with the great firm to the extent of two
pounds a week, an advance of ten shillings on what he had hitherto
earned. And his prospects! Why, they were limitless. Once let a
fellow get into Swettenham's--
"You're not doing so bad for a single man," remarked Polly, with
facetious malice in her eye. "But it won't run to a supper like this
very often."
"Oh--well--not often, of course." His voice quavered into sudden
despondency. "Just now and then, you know. Have some cheese?"
"Don't mind--Gorgonzoler."
He paid the bill right bravely and added sixpence for the waiter,
though it cost him as great a pang as the wrenching of a double
tooth. A rapid calculation told him that he must dine at the
Aerated Bread Shop for several days to come. Whilst he was thus
computing Polly drew out her gold watch. It caught his eye, he stood
transfixed, and his stare rose from the watch to Polly's face.
"Just after eleven," she remarked airily, and began to hum.
Christopher had but a silver watch, an heirloom of considerable
antiquity, and the chain was jet.
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