Page:Love Insurance - Earl Biggers (1914).djvu/315



HAT'S the matter with you?"

Seated in the lobby of the De la Pax on Sunday morning, Mr. Trimmer turned a disapproving eye upon the lank Englishman at his side as he made this query. And his question was not without good foundation. For the aspirant to the title of Lord Harrowby was at the moment a jelly quaking with fear.

"Fawncy meeting you after all these years," said poor old George in an uncertain treble.

"Come, come," cried Mr. Trimmer, "put a little more authority into your voice. You can't walk up and claim your rights with your knees dancing the tango. This is the moment we've been looking forward to. Act determined. Walk into that room up-stairs as though you were walking into Rakedale Hall to take charge of it."

"Allan, don't you know me—I'm your brother George," went on the Englishman, intent on rehearsing.