Gray, like Busby, had not been quite honest with his wife on the subject of the Fairbrother legacy. As a matter of fact, at this moment she knew nothing whatever about it, and had not the faintest idea that her husband was one penny richer by the death of the head of the firm. Gray had intended that she should benefit, but, like many another cautious husband, he feared that sudden wealth might turn her brain. He would break it to her gently, at the rate of a pound a week at first. Having got thus far, he looked about for the best way of presenting the legacy. No opening had presented itself until to-night, but he believed that he had at last solved the problem.
Mrs. Gray was on the doorstep when her husband arrived at the Leytonstone villa.
"How late you are, James!"
James replied by kissing her affectionately, much to her surprise.
"Couldn't help it, Em. One of the men away from the office, and Jimmy had to stay.
"'Jimmy had to stay, my dear!
Jimmy had to stay!'"
he sang.
He was in a most amiable mood, a fact that would not have passed the notice of his wife if she hadn't happened to be in an amiable mood also. They sat down to a meat tea, and Gray attacked a steak vigorously.
"Jim," said Mrs. Gray, dimpling, and sipping a cup of tea, "what do you think?"