§ 2.
“I say, Mason, old top,” said Freddie, entering the sitting-room, “I hope you don’t mind my barging in like this but the fact is things are a bit thick. I’m dashed worried and I didn’t know another soul I could talk it over with. As a matter of fact, I wasn’t sure you were in New York at all but I remembered hearing you say in London that you went popping back almost at once, so I looked you up in the telephone book and took a chance. I’m dashed glad you are back. When did you arrive?”
“This afternoon.”
“I’ve been here two or three days. Well, it’s a bit of luck catching you. You see, what I want to ask your advice about …”
Wally looked at his watch. He was not surprised to find that Jill had taken to flight. He understood her feelings perfectly, and was anxious to get rid of the inopportune Freddie as soon as possible.
“You’ll have to talk quick, I’m afraid,” he said. “I’ve lent this place to a man for the evening, and he’s having some people to dinner. What’s the trouble?”
“It’s about Jill.”
“Jill?”
“Jill Mariner, you know. You remember Jill? You haven’t forgotten my telling you all that? About her losing her money and coming over to America?”
“No. I remember you telling me that.”