CHAPTER III—CULLEN GIVES ADVICE
At ten o'clock the following morning my telephone bell rang and a visitor was announced. I did not catch the name given me, and it was only when I opened the door to him in response to his ring that I recognized Mr. Cullen. In morning clothes, which consisted in his case of a blue serge suit that needed brushing and a bowler hat of extinct shape, he seemed to me, if possible, a little more objectionable than I had found him the previous night. He presented himself, however, in a wholly non-aggressive spirit.
"Mr. Walmsley," he said, as he took the chair to which I motioned him, "I have called to see you very largely in your own interests."
I murmured something to the effect that I was extremely obliged.
"I have made inquiries concerning you," he went on, "and I find that you not only have a blameless record but that you are possessed of considerable means, and that you belong to a highly esteemed county family."
"And what of it, Mr. Cullen?" I asked.
"This," he answered, "that I feel it my duty to warn you against the companions with whom you spent a portion of last evening."
"You mean Mr. and Miss Parker?"
"I mean Mr. and Miss Parker."
"Are you making any definite charges against this young lady and gentleman?" I inquired after a moment's pause.