"There was a long blue paper inside," said the cashier, moving across the carpet. "So I——"
George picked up a heavy bill file and flung it just as Busby skipped out of the door.
"He's done it!—the silly, stupid idiot has done it, and it's on me! And I've been down to his house and made a fool of myself!"
On arriving at Brunswick Terrace George Early's fears were confirmed by the sight of a formidable blue envelope addressed to himself. A document inside set forth the fact, in legal phraseology, that James Gray had forfeited his claim to the Fairbrother's annuity, and that the said annuity had now fallen to Mr. George Early, husband of Ellen Fairbrother. The said George Early was duly warned of the terrible issues at stake, consequent upon his not observing the rules of the legacy, the aforesaid issues leading to the ultimate forfeiture of the Fairbrother estates by the said George Early's wife.
"Well, I'm a teetotaler now," said George, resignedly. "There's no getting out of it."
"It's better for you," said Aunt Phœbe. "I never did believe in drink."
"Nobody asked you to," said her nephew. "I don't believe in it. I take it for my health."
Nevertheless, he interviewed the smart young lawyer at Dibbs and Dubbs, who confirmed everything that had been said on the forfeiture of the estate.
"We shall watch you closely," he said brightly to George, rubbing his hands. "On behalf of the trustees of the 'Very Dark African Mission,' who will benefit by the estate, I am directed to watch—you—very—closely."
"That's right," said George. "You keep your eye on me. I wish you luck!"