Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/266

Rh "I should say Jane is a character," said Lomas.

"Yes, she allured me. I told her who I was and she said she'd come to tea."

She kept her appointment. Reggie found himself facing a large young woman. In her construction nature had been very happy. She had decorated its work with admirable art. She was physically in the grand style, but she had a merry eye, and her clothes were not only charming but of a sophisticated elegance.

Reggie, there is no doubt, stared at her for a moment and a half. "Miss—Jane—Brown," he said slowly.

"I haven't brought my godfathers and godmothers, Mr. Fortune," she smiled. "But I am Jane Brown really. I always felt I couldn't live up to it. I see you know me."

"If seeing were knowing, I should know Miss Joan Amber very well. It's delightful to be able to thank her for the real Rosalind—all the Rosalind there is."

She made him a curtsy. "I'm lucky. I didn't think you'd be like this. I expected an old man with glasses and"

"This," said Reggie maliciously—"this is the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Departmen—Mr. Lomas."

Lomas let his eyeglass fall. "I also am young