Page:Herbert Jenkins - Patricia Brent Spinster.djvu/228

 "Whatever it is he is unconscious of possessing it," replied Patricia as she turned to greet Mr. Triggs.

"I'm late, I know," explained Mr. Triggs as he shook hands. "I 'ad to run in and see 'Ettie and tell 'er I was coming. It surprised 'er," and Mr. Triggs chuckled as if at some joke he could not share with the others.

"Now let us have tea," said Lady Tanagra "I'm simply dying for it."

Mr. Triggs sank down heavily into a basket chair. He looked about anxiously, as it creaked beneath his weight, as if in doubt whether or no it would bear him.

"All we want now is" Mr. Triggs stopped suddenly and looked apprehensively at Lady Tanagra.

"What is it you want, Mr. Triggs?" enquired Patricia quickly.

"Er—er—I—I—forget, I—I forget," floundered Mr. Triggs, still looking anxiously at Lady Tanagra.

"When you're in the company of women, Mr. Triggs, you should never appear to want anything else. It makes an unfavourable impression upon us."

"God bless my soul, I don't!" cried Mr. Triggs earnestly. "I've been looking forward to this ever since I got your wire yesterday afternoon."

"Now he has given me away," cried Lady Tanagra. "How like a man!"