"You'll have to keep friends with the fellows all the
time. They wouldn't appreciate practical jokes down there and the law as
to bribery and corruption is very strict."
Mr. Bundercombe nodded solemnly.
"If I take the job on," he said, "you can trust me. It seems as though
there might be something in it."
"You'll come down with me, then," I begged, "both of you? Come this
afternoon! The dressmakers can follow you, Eve. It isn't far--an hour in
the train and twenty minutes in the motor. We may have to picnic a little
just to start with, but I know that the most important of the servants are
there, ready and waiting."
"Pray do not let me stand in your way," Mrs. Bundercombe declared, rising.
"My time will be fully occupied. I wish you good morning, Mr. Walmsley. I
have an appointment at a quarter to twelve. You can let me know your final
decision at luncheon-time."
She left the room. Mr. Bundercombe, Eve, and I exchanged glances.
"How far away did you say your place was, Paul?" Mr. Bundercombe asked.
"Right in the country," I told him--"takes you about an hour and a half to
get there."
"I think we'll come," Mr. Bundercombe decided, looking absently out the
window and watching his wife eloquently admonish a taxicab driver, who had
driven up with a cigarette in his mouth.
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