"I think you may tell me," said the lady. "I understand most of Mr. Early's business."
"You can tell my aunt, Gray," called out George, from behind the paper.
"If I could see Mr. Early alone——"
"Mr. Early has no secrets from his family," said Aunt Phœbe, at which George coughed and Gray frowned.
After two or three futile attempts to attain his object, Gray was forced to retire with the feeble excuse of having forgotten something.
Aunt Phœbe looked meaningly at George, who nodded.
The chaperon game continued, and the three men were reduced to such straits as tracking the cab home to Kensington, and taking turns to keep watch on the house, all without avail.
Perhaps not entirely without avail, for towards the end of a fortnight George Early's bright looks gave way to a peevishness he could ill conceal. Aunt Phœbe's temper was affected too, and frequent bickerings were reported by those who came in their way. Whenever Master Cacklin happened to be the person, he gave to those below stairs a description that was most graphic and inspiring.
"She's wearing him out," said Busby, who clutched at these fragments in an endeavour to cheer his fellows.
Gray shook his head. "No fear of that," he said; "he's one of those men that would keep it up just for the pleasure of annoying us. I know him."