“The scoundrel! Yet he would not dare. It cannot be true! Old Pro! I can never believe it! And yet—and yet!”
* * * * *
As Mr. Gosper was crossing Circular Quay on his return journey he met the Professor, who was coming back from his errand.
“Have a wine, old man?”
“Thank you, I seldom take anything, and I am anxious to be back to Bertha.”
“Oh, she’s first-rate—‘as well as can be expected,’ as the reports have it. Come along. It will cheer you up.”
With evident reluctance the Professor consented, and the two entered the private bar of the Paragon, Huey leading the way to a quiet corner, and with glasses before them, started the conversation.
“This affair looks bad, Professor.”
“How so?”
“I mean for our mutual friend, Mrs. Booth.”