“And you think you were so admirable in these occupations that you captured her heart! Owen, I’m seeing you in quite a new light, and I think you are deceiving yourself. I expect the young woman has forgotten you by this time. London has—attractions.”
“Time will tell; anyhow, she’s refused the great Bertie Woolcock.”
“No!” incredulously, “who told you? When did you hear it?”
“It was all over Ottinge a week ago, and I heard it at the Drum. I was also given to understand that Miss Parrett was fit to be tied!”
“If she had an inkling of her late chauffeur’s pretensions, a strait waistcoat would hardly meet the occasion. How I wish we could take you with us to America; but it’s not in the bond. Martin has a great deal of capital invested out there; he is not very strong, and after we have put all his business through, we are going to spend the winter in Florida. We shall not be back before April, and then I will keep my promise. I am so sorry, dear old boy, that I shall be out of the country while you are ‘dreeing your weird’ and not able to help you; but of course Uncle Dick’s great object is for you to learn absolute independence. I will give you my permanent address and a code-book, and if anything happens for good or bad, you must cable. We have let this house for six months—to friends. We may as well have it aired, and have the good rent! Every one lets now—even dukes and duchesses! I wonder what your next billet will be? You had better advertise.”
“What shall I say?” he asked.
“Let me think.” After a moment she rose and went to her writing-table, scribbled for a few moments, and brought him the following: ‘As chauffeur, smart young man, experienced, aged 26, steady, well recommended, wants situation. Apply—— Office of this paper.’ “Just send this to the Car, the Morning Post, the Field, Country Life; it will cost you altogether about twenty-five shillings, and I’ll pay for it.”
“No, no, Sis,” he protested, “that’s not in the bond. And, as it is, you are keeping up my club subscription.”
“Pooh!” she exclaimed, “what’s that? I hope this time you will get into a nice rich family who have a good car, and that you will be able to have a little more variety than in your last place, and no young ladies. You will be sure and write to me every week?”
At this moment the door opened and Sir Martin Kesters entered, and paused in the doorway.