Vizard told the servant to show the visitor into the library, and take in the Madeira and some biscuits.
“It is about a lease,” said Ned Severne, and went out rather hurriedly.
“La!” said Fanny, “what a curious name—Poikilus. And what does S. I. mean, I wonder?”
“This is enigmatical discourse,” said Vizard, dryly. “Please explain.”
“Why, the card had Poikilus on it.”
“You are very inquisitive,” said Zoe, coloring.
“No more than my neighbors. But the man put his salver right between our noses, and how could I help seeing Poikilus in large letters, and S. I. in little ones up in the corner?”
Said Vizard, “The female eye is naturally swift. She couldn't help seeing all that in half a minute of time; for Ned Severne snatched up the card with vast expedition.”
“I saw that too,” said Fanny, defiantly.
Uxmoor put in his word. “Poikilus! That is a name one sees in the papers.”