She smiled a superior smile. “Women,” said she, “are very intelligent creatures. They are able to distinguish between swans and ganders, whereas the swans themselves are apt to be muddle-headed and self-depreciatory.”
“I agree to the muddle-headed factor,” I rejoined, “and I won’t be unduly ostentatious as to the ganderism. But to return to Thorndyke, it is extraordinarily good of him to allow himself to be burdened with me.”
“With us,” she corrected.
“It is the same thing, sweetheart. Do you know if he is going to give us a long visit?”
“I hope so,” she replied. “Mr. Polton said that he had got through his arrears of work and had this afternoon free.”
“Then,” said I, “perhaps he will give us the elucidation that he promised me some time ago. I am devoured by curiosity as to how he unravelled the web of mystification that the villain, Bendelow, spun round himself.”
“So am I,” said she; “and I believe I can hear his footsteps on the stair.”
A few moments later Thorndyke entered the room, and having greeted us with quiet geniality, seated himself in the easy chair by the table and regarded us with a benevolent smile.
“We were just saying, Sir,” said I, “how very kind it is of you to allow your chambers to be invaded by a stray cripple and his—his belongings.”
“I believe you were going to say ‘baggage,’ ” Marion murmured.