“A what?” asked Lord Tilbury, a little blankly.
“A belle of Balham—Bertha from Brixton.”
“She lives at Valley Fields. And this boy Shotter has taken the house next door to her. I beg your pardon?”
“Nothing,” said Chimp in a thick voice.
“I thought you spoke.”
“No.” Chimp swallowed feverishly. “Did you say Shotter?”
“Shotter.”
“Taken a house in Valley Fields?”
“Yes. In Burberry Road. Mon Repos is the name.”
“Ah!” said Chimp, expelling a deep breath.