“Oh, we can decide on the time whenever you like. Will some night week after next suit you?”
I had to throw myself on the mercy of the enemy.
“I'm afraid I'm getting rather absent-minded,” I said humbly. “I was looking at Miss Knapp and lost the thread of the discourse for a minute.”
“That's what I was talking about,” she said sharply,—“about taking her and the rest of us through Chinatown.”
“Yes, yes. I remember,” I said unblushingly. “If I can get away from business, I'm at your service at any time.”
Then Mrs. Bowser wandered on with the arrangements she would find necessary to make, and I heard one of the low voices behind me:
“Now this is a profound secret, you know. I wouldn't have them know for the world that any one suspects. I just heard it this week, myself.”
“Oh, I wouldn't dare breathe it to a soul,” said the other. “But I'm sure I shan't sleep a wink tonight.” And they moved away.
I interrupted Mrs. Bowser to explain that I must speak to Mrs. Knapp, and made my escape as some one stopped to pass a word with her.
“Oh, must you go, Henry?” said Mrs. Knapp. “Well, you must come again soon. We miss you when you stay away. Don't let Mr. Knapp keep you too closely.”