Page:The Blind Bow-Boy (IA blindbowboy00vanv).pdf/62

 I was not telephoning that kind of young lady!

I beg your pardon, sir.

Can one. . . Is this that sort of house?

Your father owns this house, sir. You are at home.

Then. . . he. . . This was very difficult for Harold. . . he wouldn't object if I, if I. . . He achieved the end in a rush and a gulp. . . had women here?

Object, sir? Drains raised his eyebrows. Object? Certainly not.

The tone of Drains's reply was profoundly lacking in doubt.

Would he then. . . The horror of the idea almost stifled speech. . . . Would he then be willing?

I can vouch for that, sir. Drains's tone was now both deferential and parental.

Is it. . . Harold was sitting bolt upright in bed. . . . Is it what he wants?

I can only repeat my orders, sir. They are definite. You are to do anything you please. I have had considerable experience, sir, in observing young men do what they please. In London, sir—Drains drew himself up with considerable side—, I was in the employ of the Duke of Middlebottom. That is why your father engaged me.

Harold's face was a blank.

I perceive, sir, that the name of the Duke of Middlebottom has no associations for you. The