“Only a fortnight or so.”
“And why didn’t you look me up before?”
“As I told you, there was some doubt—— However, here I am. Barlow is the name of my Firm, a large and influential Firm.”
“In Sydney? or Melbourne?”
“No, up-country—over there.” He pointed over his left shoulder. “That’s why I use the name of Barlow. I am here on the business of the Firm—it brought me to London. It takes me every day into the City—most important transactions. Owing to the magnitude of the operation, my tongue is sealed.”
“Oh!” There was a little doubt implied by the interjection. “You a business man? You? Why, you never understood the simplest sum in addition.”
“As regards debts, probably not. As regards assets and property—— But in those days I had none. Prosperity, Chris—prosperity brings out all a man’s better qualities. You yourself look respectable.”
“I’ve been respectable for exactly four-and-twenty years. I am married. I have a son of three-and-twenty, and a daughter of one-and-twenty. I live in Pembridge Crescent, Bayswater.”
“And you were by way of being a barrister.”
“I was. But, Fred, to be honest, did you ever catch me reading a law book?”