Page:Barbour--Peggy in the rain.djvu/122

 Theatre last evening communicate with ardent admirer? Object matrimony.' That's the style, eh?"

"Well, sir, not quite. More like the lawyers' advertisements, sir. More—more respectable, perhaps, Mr. Gordon. 'If Miss Peggy Blank will communicate with the undersigned she will learn of something to her advantage.' Then sign your name, sir."

"The devil! I'm afraid that wouldn't do. So many others would read it, Hurd, besides the young—the lady in question. And I am lamentably susceptible to ridicule. No, I think an assumed name would be better."

"Very good, sir. Perhaps it would be best to let a lawyer do it for you and sign his name to the notice, sir."

"Not a bad idea, Hurd! Distinctly clever! Thank you. And—er—Hurd."

"Yes, sir?"

"Kindly forget our consultation. Especially the lady's name, Hurd."

"Oh, most certainly, sir. Anything else, Mr. Gordon?" "Nothing else. Here's the mail for Miss Creed.