Lord Gowerhurst detected the anxiety, purposely he delayed, he told himself the man was anxious—naturally—"Let him be anxious, let him remain on tenter hooks for a time!" It would do him no harm.
"Is that Sir Josiah Homewood?"
"Yes, yes, Homewood, I'm speaking to Lord Gowerhurst, aren't I?"
"Yes—ah, Homewood, is that you? Well, about that little matter we were discussing yesterday—" his lordship drawled, "the proposition that you placed before me with such engaging frankness, I should not be surprised if you remember——"
"Yea, my Lord, I've not forgotten! Not me!" The voice came chokingly, uncertain, but above all things eager.
"I have discussed it with the person—most concerned!"
"And what does her ladyship——"
"My dear Homewood, no names on the telephone, no names I beg!"
"No, no, of course not, my mistake, my Lord. I wouldn't think of mentioning any names, not for a moment, my Lord. Still what does she—the person—the party, I mean, my Lord, what does she—er—her——"
"I quite understand the—as you say—party—is inclined to give very favourable consideration to the matter. In fact, I may say, my dear Homewood, that the matter is practically settled on the basis you suggested."