‘Coming with me?—I am delighted to hear it,—but where?’
‘To the house of which Mr Holt has been speaking.’
‘Nothing could give me greater pleasure, but—might I point out?—Mr Holt has to find it yet?’
‘I will come to help you to help him find it.’
Sydney laughed,—but I could see he did not altogether relish the suggestion.
‘Three in a hansom?’
‘There is such a thing as a four-wheeled cab,—or I could order a carriage if you’d like one.’
Sydney looked at me out of the corners of his eyes; then began to walk up and down the room, with his hands in his trouser pockets. Presently he began to talk nonsense.
‘I need not say with what a sensation of joy I should anticipate the delights of a drive with you,—even in a four-wheeled cab; but, were I in your place, I fancy that I should allow Holt and your humble servant to go hunting out this house of his alone. It may prove a more tedious business than you imagine. I promise that, after the hunt is over, I will describe the proceedings to you with the most literal accuracy.’
‘I daresay.—Do you think I don’t know you’ve been deceiving me all the time?’