“Oh, I'll be later than you. Lemmy Moss has got a bachelors' party on. We're going to have a billiard match.”
“That's capital then, dear. I shall let the servants go to Earl's Court—I've promised them a long time.”
Bob whistled gaily as he mounted his 'bus for the City. The opportunity was surely exceptional.
At eight o'clock he returned; noiselessly let himself in.
The gas in the hall burned low. Beneath the library door gleamed a stronger light. Bob turned the handle.
Mary was curled in a big chair with a book. Certainly the opportunity was exceptional.
At the noise of his entry she sprang to her feet with a little cry. “Oh, dear!” she exclaimed: “what a fright you gave me!”
Bob pushed the door. He laughed. “Did I?”; came towards her. “Are you all alone? What a shame!”
“Minnie is in the kitchen, I think. Mrs. Chater said you wouldn't be in to-night.”
“Why do you think I came?”