John Carter, his feet well apart, his back to the fireless grate, his hands thrust down into his pockets, said, looking over at his partner:
"Amos, Dr. Lavendar once remarked to me that there was no telling what human critters would do."
Dr. Lavendar chuckled.
"Very true," Amos Hughes admitted, putting one fat knee over the other; "but I must say that I never before knew a human critter throw away £5000."
"I'm sorry you haven't had better acquaintances," said Dr. Lavendar. "I have. I'm not in the least surprised at this child's behavior. Mr. Carter, are you looking for anything? You'll find a decanter on the sideboard in the next room, sir. This is a pretty good world, Mr. Amos Hughes; I've lived in it longer than you have, so you'll take my word for it. It's a pretty good old world, and Miss Alice Gray has simply decided to do the natural and proper thing. Why, what else could she do?"
"I could mention at least one other thing," said Mr. Carter.
"Extraordinary situation! but I suppose the residuary legatees won't make any objection," murmured Amos Hughes.
Dr. Lavendar rapped on the table with the bowl of his pipe. "My dear sir, would you have a girl, for a paltry £5000, break her father's heart?"
"Her father?"
"Mr. Gray would not, in my judgment, survive such a revelation," said Dr. Lavendar, stiffly.