Dad resumed “... ‘but I ’ave been in various parts of the world and it ’as been quite impossible to keep up a correspondence. I am writing now to tell you that I shall be back in London in a few days, and to ask you whether you can find a room for me in Wisteria Grove?’”
“Well! I should ’ave thought he’d ’ave written to me to ask that!” said Mrs Gosling.
“So ’e should ’ave, by rights,” agreed Gosling. “But ’e’s a queer card is Mr Thrale.”
“Bit dotty, if you ask me,” said Blanche.
“’S that all?” asked Mrs Gosling.
“No, ’e says: ‘I can’t give you an address as I go on to Berlin immediately, but I will look you up the evening after I arrive. Eastern Europe is not safe at the present time. There ’ave been several cases of the new plague in Moscow, but the authorities are doing everything they can—which is much in Russia—to keep the news out of the press, yours sincerely, Jasper Thrale,’ and that’s the lot,” concluded Gosling.
“I do think he’s a cool hand,” commented Blanche. “Of course you won’t have him as a paying guest now?”
Gosling and his wife looked at each other, thoughtfully.
“Well——” hesitated Gosling.
“’E might bring the infection,” suggested Mrs Gosling.