“You are quiet, Harry, and we have not heard from you since you went back to town. Have you begun your studies for the Bar?”
“I have not,” said Ledward smiling, and noting Jasper’s glance, resumed: “I rather think I have got a better job!”
“Harry tries to flatter me,” Jasper remarked. “Not long since I admitted I got old, and now he has agreed to help. I’m glad to acknowledge his help is worth something.”
“Then, he’s at your office?” said Alan with keen surprise.
“That is so,” Jasper agreed, and called a waiter. “By and by I expect he will be my head man, and perhaps for you to wish the combine good luck would not be theatrical.”
Ledward thought Jasper theatrical. At all events he had given the announcement a dramatic touch, and Ledward saw he surveyed his guests with dry amusement.
Mrs. Carson’s approval was obvious, but it looked as if Alan were annoyed. Evelyn’s look got hard, and Mrs. Haigh’s face was slightly red. She had got a nasty knock, but she lifted her glass.
“We knew your helper’s cleverness, but it seems he has abilities we did not guess,” she said in a level voice. “I hope your experiment will go as you expect!”
“Thank you,” said Jasper. “One likes one’s friends’ approval. So far as the experiment has gone I have good grounds to be satisfied.”
“You have got the proper man,” said Mrs. Carson. “You would not have been satisfied with Kit.”