"We are calling for Mr. Wymans," he said, "in Lincoln's Inn Fields, and
afterward we are going round to Mrs. Delaporte's flat. We are going to
meet Bannister there and his lawyer."
"Why do we concern ourselves in the matter at all?" I asked as we drove
off. "I don't see why we can't leave the lawyers to do this final
settlement."
Mr. Bundercombe shook his head.
"You leave too much to lawyers in this country," he remarked. "We
generally like to see the thing through ourselves over at home, even if we
take a lawyer along. This is an unpleasant business, if you like; but
there's no good in shirking it."
We called for Mr. Wymans and drove on to Mrs. Delaporte's flat. We were at
once admitted into an overheated and overperfumed room and found Captain
Bannister, Mrs. Delaporte, and Mr. Cheape awaiting us. Their demeanor
betokened anxiety. Mrs. Delaporte alone made a little conversation; and,
the habits of a lifetime asserting themselves, she made eyes at Mr.
Bundercombe.
Mr. Bundercombe, however, conducted himself very much like the deacon of a
chapel in the presence of his minister. His natural good humor seemed to
have departed. His manners matched the unusual solemnity of his attire.
"Madam," he said, bowing to Mrs.
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