Collins opened his eyes in surprise.
“Eric,” said Mabel. “This is my brother.” The two men shook hands with a mutual look of interest.
Allery laughed outright.
“You young dog,” he said. “How did you come to be caught after all our trouble. I was afraid Collins would be one too much for us.... I congratulate you on your cleverness,” said he, turning to Collins.
“I am afraid this is all Greek to me,” said Sinclair stiffly. He had expected Tragedy, and found Comic Opera.
“You shall know everything,” said Allery; “but come to dinner first. Can you manage it?” he said to Mabel.
“I’ll go and see about it at once,” said she.
“As these three poor men have no dress clothes with them, we will have a scratch meal, and then a round talk.” Her spirits seemed to have risen now that the affair was over.
Dinner was a merry meal, even if the gaiety was somewhat forced.
Old John moved round with a look of blank astonishment on his face. His eyes were round and wide, and he could not keep them off Watson. The aunt had sent a message that she would not come to dinner. The news had proved too much for her nerves.