The
reason I didn't was simply because I felt convinced that her desire to
require a single room in the manicure business was somehow associated with
the scheme she had at first suggested. Therefore I temporized. I appeared
to be interested. I asked her in what locality she wished to commence
business. She never hesitated. There was only one place she wanted and
that was the room she's got. Just to test her I took her to see really
slap-up premises in another part of Bond Street. She pretended to look at
them, but never took the slightest interest. It was just one room she
wanted--and one room only.
"I realized that both she and her friend were either too desperately hard
up to engage that room or else they were particularly anxious to do it in
some one else's name. That was quite enough for me. I engaged the room."
I glanced once more at Mr. Bundercombe's nails. "You, at any rate," I
remarked, "have been a faithful customer."
"Paul," Mr. Bundercombe continued, "I am playing a part. I am playing the
part of a silly old fool. It isn't easy sometimes, but I am keeping it up.
I spend a good part of my time in that beastly little parlor, having my
nails done over and over again. The girl is bored to death; and I--though
I flatter myself I don't show it--I guess I'm bored to death too.
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