Page:Herbert Jenkins - The Rain Girl.djvu/125

 Drew, I'm afraid you are in for a thin time," said Beresford. "Possibly she could be fitted with silencers."

"I'm wondering," said Drewitt, disregarding the remark, "what I am to say to Hoskins?"

"What about?"

"He's been a good servant," continued Drewitt sadly, "and if"

"Oh! about to-morrow," Beresford laughed.

"If I were to tell him suddenly and without proper preparation that I intend to rise to-morrow at seven, it would in all probability prove fatal. I am really greatly concerned as to how to break the news to him."

"Why not get up without him?" suggested Beresford.

"Get up without Hoskins!" Drewitt looked at his cousin as if he had suggested attending a levée in a sweater. "Get up without Hoskins!" he repeated. There was pained reproach in his voice.

"Well, anyhow, you're in for it."

"Richard, have you ever seen a man break down?"

"Out there" began Beresford seriously; then, seeing the drift of Drewitt's remark, added, "Don't be an ass, Drew."

"I see you haven't, then we had better say good-night here;" and Drewitt hailed a passing taxi, whilst Beresford walked slowly back to the Ritz-Carlton.