“Well, Sharper, I’ve been talking to Dobson about you. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but our office space here is very limited. We are of the opinion that perhaps the amount of room you occupy here is intrinsically of more value than any services which you render to the business, or even the pleasure that your society naturally gives us. I don’t know if you take my meaning.”
“Do you want to turn me out?” said Sharper.
“Don’t put it like that. You don’t seem to know anything about business. You never do any work. You’re playing about with Lady Tyburn in a way that’ll bring scandal on the firm. But we don’t want to turn you out. We don’t want to do anything harsh. All we say is that we think it would be better for all concerned if you don’t come here again. I think that will be all. Good evening, Mr. Sharper.”
Luke went out and purchased the articles Mabel had asked him to buy. He then went to four different chemists, and at each one purchased a little oxalic acid, saying in each case that he wanted it to clean a straw hat.
With his bicycle laden considerably above the Plimsoll mark, he pedalled wearily homewards. He only fell off once, and it was a pity that this broke the bottle of turpentine, for he happened to be carrying it in the inside pocket of his coat.
CHAPTER XI
1
“We shall dine in the kitchen,” said Mabel. “The dining-room and drawing-room are finished, but I am keeping them locked up until the workmen are out of the house, and all the mess is cleared away.”