Page:Chesterton - The Club of Queer Trades.djvu/163

Speculation of the House-Agent purport of which was direct and essential, and yet which one cannot exactly express. As near as it said anything, verbally speaking, it said: "Well, if you must spoil it, you must. But you don't know what you're spoiling."

"There is another thing," continued Mr. Montmorency, weakly. "Of course, if you don't want to be visited you'll paint the house green, but—"

"Green!" shouted Keith. "Green! Let it be green or nothing. I won't have a house of another color. Green!" And before we could realize anything the door had banged between us and the street.

Rupert Grant seemed to take a little time to collect himself; but he spoke before the echoes of the door died away.

"Your client, Lieutenant Keith, appears somewhat excited," he said. "What is the matter with him? Is he unwell?"

"Oh, I should think not," said Mr. Montmorency, in some confusion. "The negotiations have been somewhat difficult—the house is rather—" 145