Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/261

 when you are costumed like a banker. You'd take advantage of me."

"It's rather odd," commented Mackeller musingly, "that you should reiterate the word 'banker.'"

"I use it," said Stranleigh, "as a term of reproach. Don't sadden me by saying you have become one."

"Yes; I have,"

"Oh, this is too much! A double blow, as one might say, when your clothes alone were more than I could bear. I hoped you were merely acting the part. I'd like to ask you to sit here on the grass with me, but that would stain green your too, too beautiful coat and trousers. Let's saunter down to the house, where I may send off that telegram. I do not know the resources of my own wardrobe, but perhaps I may fit you out with suitable togs. I am slightly taller than you are, but that is equalised by you being slightly stouter than I am. Let us therefore make the wardrobe our happy hunting ground, fortified by the knowledge that nothing we can find there will be so grotesque as what you are now wearing."

"I think I told you, Stranleigh, that I intend to catch the 4.20. I must be in London this evening."

"London, my dear Peter, will be happier and more contented without you, while you will be