‘Then I won’t say any more,’ Edgar replied. ‘When a man is fresh from these romances, he is incapable of regarding ordinary life for a time. But the disease cures itself. In the course of a month or so, you will begin to forget these complications, and probably burn that fatal paper.’
‘I intend to do nothing of the sort; I am going to submit it to an expert this afternoon, and get his opinion.’
‘Yes. And he will keep it for a fortnight, after reading it over once, and then you will get an elaborate report, covering some sheets of paper, stating that it is an ordinary letter. Who was the enemy who lent you Poe’s works?’
‘I read those books before you were born, young man; and I may tell you—apart from them—that I am fully convinced that there is a mystery somewhere. ’Pon my word, you take the matter very coolly, considering all things. But let us put aside the mystery for a time, and tell me something of yourself.’
‘I am looking up now, thanks to you and Felix,’ Edgar replied gratefully. ‘I have an appointment at last.’
‘I am sure I am heartily glad to hear it. What is it?’
‘It was the doing of Felix, of course. The editor of Mayfair was rather taken by my descriptive style in a paper which Felix showed him, and made me an offer of doing the principal continental gambling-houses in London.’
‘Um,’ said Mr Carver doubtfully. ‘And the pay?’
‘Is particularly good, besides which, I have the entrée of these places—the golden key, you know.’
‘Have you told your wife about it?’