“Business importance? That won’t do, Bob. You’ll have to ’fess up.”
“Do I know such a girl? Are you serious?”
“Why, Bob, I can think of several. Shall I name them?”
“Not give their names! What on earth is the matter with you?”
“Oh, part of the business, is it? Well, let me see. Tall and beautiful, you say. Dark eyes and hair. A black touring-car. Hum! I know, three girls to whom the description applies. It might be—but you don’t wish me to mention the name. Well, you’ll have to think of something more distinctive.”
Orme thought in vain. The image of the girl was ever in his mind, but describe her he could not. At last he said: “The girl I mean lives in one of the suburbs. She has a father who has lately undergone a slight operation. He is, I think, a man who is involved in negotiations with other countries.”
“Oh! Where did you meet her? Why, Bob, how interesting! I never thought of her, but she’s one of my dearest friends.”
“Now, listen, Bessie. It is absolutely necessary that I should reach her father’s house before midnight. You must help me.”
He heard her laugh. “Help you? Of course I will.”
“Where does she live?”