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Rh "I hope, Sir Eustace, that you are not seriously annoyed?"

"My dear fellow," I said, "I don't mind telling you here and now that you've blinking well torn it!"

I went out seriously ruffled. As I passed the corner curio-shop, I was assailed by a sudden irresistible temptation and went in. The proprietor came forward obsequiously, rubbing his hands.

"Can I show you something? Furs, curios?"

"I want something quite out of the ordinary," I said. "It's for a special occasion. Will you show me what you've got?"

"Perhaps you will come into my back room? We have many specialties there?"

That is where I made a mistake. And I thought I was going to be so clever. I followed him through the swinging portières.