I promptly hated Mr. Inman with all my heart and felt not the slightest objection to his demise; but at her gesture of command I rose and accompanied Mrs. Knapp, as a young man with eye-glasses and a smirk came to take my place. I left Luella Knapp, congratulating myself over my cleverness in escaping the pitfalls that lined my way.
“Now I've a chance to speak to you at last,” said Mrs. Knapp.
“At your service,” I bowed. “I owe you something.”
“Indeed?” Mrs. Knapp raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“For your kind recommendation to Mr. Knapp.”
“My recommendation? You have a little the advantage of me.”
I was stricken with painful doubts, and the cold sweat started upon me. Perhaps this was not Mrs. Knapp after all.
“Oh, perhaps you didn't mean it,” I said.
“Indeed I did, if it was a recommendation. I'm afraid it was unconscious, though. Mr. Knapp does not consult me about his business.”
I was in doubt no longer. It was the injured pride of the wife that spoke in the tone.