Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/172

Rh was over in England and came down to see her a few days ago. He had another man with him, I remember."

"Another? Do fond fathers often bring a faithful friend down to see how their daughters are growing?"

"Now you mention it, I suppose it is unusual." Miss Lomas looked at Reggie with apprehension. "Still, it's quite reasonable, Mr. Fortune."

"Well—if he were a brother—or a selected fiancé."

"Really, Mr. Fortune! Alice is a child. Not more than sixteen. This other man was older than her father. I wish I could remember his name."

"So do I," Reggie agreed.

"It was nothing uncommon, I think. He was rather an uncommon-looking man—big and handsome, but artistic or Bohemian in his clothes."

"And after the fond father and the faithful friend saw Alice you found this little lady"—he held up the Hottentot Venus—"in the library?"

"It was—the day after," Miss Lomas cried. "Good gracious!"

"We are getting on, aren't we?" Reggie smiled. "But I wonder where we are getting to?"

"They saw her in the library. I shall certainly ask Alice for an explanation," Miss Lomas said.

Reggie put the Hottentot Venus in his pocket and smiled at her. "I'm sure you're much too wise.