"But in the circumstances, sir."
"P'raps you're right. A sound taste in shirtings, I see."
"Rather a strong feature with us, sir."
Richard whistled cheerfully as he dressed himself. The clothes fitted him astonishingly well—even the collars were right to a quarter size. In the intervals between whistling solos he put questions on a hundred matters.
"Am I a fairly decent sort of chap, Doran?"
The question received a frowning affirmative.
"Splendid! You stick up for me."
The rattle of enquiry proceeded. How much did he drink? How long had
he had the flat? What were his clubs—games—favourite restaurants?
What was his telephone number? Did he smoke to excess—go out much?
Was he fond of reading? Had he got a profession?
"Ah! and this is important. What about money?"
"There's seven pound ten in that note case, sir."