“Yes, Mr Trevithick? I am all attention.”
“Yes; of course,” he said, suddenly becoming very business-like, for he could deal with her then. “The little matters of business can wait, or perhaps you could take the papers up for Miss Gartram’s signature.”
“Yes; of course,” said Mary, sharply. “Where are they?”
“Here,” he said, quietly; “but there is one, I might say two things, I should like Miss Gartram’s opinion upon. Will you tell her, please?”
“Do speak a little faster, Mr Trevithick, I have a great deal to do this morning.”
“I beg your pardon. Will you please tell Miss Gartram that I am, in spite of her commands, much exercised in mind about that missing money. Tell her, please, that I have studied it from every point of view, and I am compelled to say that it is her duty to Mr Gartram deceased—that most exact of business men—to instruct me to make further inquiries into the matter.”
“It would be of no use, Mr Trevithick. I am sure your cousin would not allow it. Is that all?”
“Will you not appeal to her from me?”
“No. I am sure she would not listen to any such suggestion. Now, is that all?”
Mary spoke in a quick, excited way, as if she wanted to get out of the room, and yet wished to stay.