'And while not accepting even the slightest shadow of a shade of responsibility for his--er--no doubt temporary absence from his family, I should like, at the same time, to assure you that my interest is of a thoroughly practical kind.'
He stopped, as if expecting me to say something. I didn't know what he meant; and said so.
'If you'll explain, Mr. Howarth, I dare say I shall understand what you're talking about.'
'It's quite simple, Mrs. Merrett; perfectly simple.'
I didn't think so. If I'd been asked I should have said that there wasn't anything simple about him. He wasn't that kind. He went on in that smooth, easy voice of his, every tone of which rang false to me.
'Be frank with me, Mrs. Merrett. Believe me, you will find in me a friend.' I didn't believe anything of the kind. 'Financially, has Mr. Merrett left you in any way awkwardly placed?'
'Do you mean, am I short of money?'
'Exactly. Plain language is always the best; isn't it, Mrs. Merrett? Are you short of money?'
'And what business have you to ask me such a question, any more than I have to ask you?'
'I ask merely because I should propose, if such were the case, to supply any deficiency. It would give me genuine pleasure.'