The door opened, and Jarman entered; he never troubled to knock anywhere. In place of his usual noisy greeting, he crossed in silence and shook me gravely by the hand.
“Friend of yours?” he asked, indicating Minikin.
I introduced them to each other.
“Proud to meet you,” said Jarman.
“Glad to hear it,” said Minikin. “Don't look as if you'd got much else to be stuck up about.”
“Don't mind him,” I explained to Jarman. “He was born like it.”
“Wonderful gift” replied Jarman. “D'ye know what I should do if I 'ad it?” He did not wait for Minikin's reply. “'Ire myself out to break up evening parties. Ever thought of it seriously?”
Minikin replied that he would give the idea consideration.
“Make your fortune going round the suburbs,” assured him Jarman. “Pity you weren't 'ere last night,” he continued; “might 'ave saved our young friend 'ere a deal of trouble. Has 'e told you the news?”
I explained that I had already put Minikin in possession of all the facts.