“Who is she?”
“I do not suppose I shall be betraying confidence if I tell you,” the clergyman debated. “You will have to know soon, I expect. Her name is Cecily Hoyle.”
“Good heavens!” The lawyer sat back and stared at him. “Do you mean my secretary?”
“Your secretary,” Mr. Collyer acquiesced. “She is a nice girl, isn't she, Luke?”
“Niceness doesn't matter in a secretary,” the lawyer said gruffly. “She types and takes shorthand notes very satisfactorily. As for looks she is nothing particular. Madeline took care of that—always does! In fact she engaged her for me. Still, she is a taking little thing. How the deuce did Tony get hold of her?”
The clergyman shook his head.
“I don't know. He only spoke of her the other day. But it will be good for the lad, Luke. I believe it is the genuine thing.”
“Genuine thing! Good for the lad!” Luke Bechcombe repeated scornfully. “Tony can't keep himself. How is he going to keep my secretary?”
“Tony can work if he likes,” his father maintained stoutly. “And if he has someone to work for I think he will.”
“Girl won't take him. She has too much sense,” growled the lawyer.