Again that wrinkling of the lips which he, perhaps, intended for a smile. I wondered what the dickens he was at.
"You see, Townsend, things reach my ears which do not come to other men. May we take it, Townsend, that you are not a millionaire?"
"You may certainly take it, sir, at that."
"Pressed, now and then, for ready-money, perhaps."
What was he driving at? Was he going to develop into a sixty per cent. and offer me a loan?
"I believe that most men are."
"Yes--they are." It struck me that there was something about the pause he made which was anything but complimentary. I was beginning to feel like throwing something at him. "You have a brother, Townsend." How did he know that? "Have you seen him lately?"
"This afternoon."
"So recently? Is he doing well?"
"He said he was."