‘He told me that he had been born and brought up in London; but he has travelled over the whole country in his professional capacity. He speaks of his juggling as a “profession.” He is an orphan, as you guessed; but he has a brother somewhere.’
‘And what might his profession be?’ said Wrentham with a quick side-glance at Philip.
‘I don’t know. Tuppit is shy of talking about him; and from his sorrowful way of mentioning the fact that he had a brother, I came to the conclusion that the fellow was in prison, or something of that sort. So I did not put any disagreeable questions.’
They had entered the dining-room of the Gog and Magog Club by this time; and amidst the clatter of plates and knives and forks, and the loud hum of voices, Wrentham pointed to the bill of fare, which was hung up beside the clerk’s desk, and said hastily: ‘What are you to have?’
Mr Hadleigh had been much more disappointed by the result of his interview with Wrentham than he had allowed to appear. He had gone to him with the vague hope that he might learn something about Austin Shield, which should give him an excuse for making another appeal to Madge. He had learned nothing. There was, however, a probability that when his objection was made known to Shield, the latter would himself withdraw the invitation he had sent to Philip.
In the evening, Wrentham presented himself at the Manor. No answer to the telegram had yet arrived: the conversation in the library occupied an hour notwithstanding. Shortly after noon on the following day, Wrentham brought the expected answer to Mr Hadleigh, who was waiting for it in his private room in the office of his firm.
‘My sister’s son must decide for himself.’
‘It is like the man,’ muttered Mr Hadleigh, as he tore up the paper. ‘Now, you can make your choice—his business or mine.’
‘I shall give you an answer in half an hour.’
Wrentham returned to his office, and entered it by the private door. He took a half-crown from his pocket and balanced it on his forefinger and thumb. He gazed at it steadily for a moment, then tossed it up.