Page:The woman, the man, and the monster (IA womanmanmonster00dawe).pdf/208

 “Of course not; but you seem to think——”

“We're going to be good friends, he and I, you see if we’re not.”

“Well, he really is an invaluable chap.”

“Ah, I knew you were only waiting for the chance to praise him. Like master like man. We are going to be good friends, J. Smales and I.”

“Tf you say so, that end is already achieved.”

At that moment a low knock was heard at the door, and as a reply to Vermont’s “Come in,” the door opened slowly and Ixion ap- peared on the threshold.

“Come in, Smales,” cried Vermont cheerily. “Enjoy yourself in London?”

“Yes, sir; that is, except for

“I quite understand. Pity you let that dis- tress you, as I was in no hurry.”

“The manufacturers, sir; there’s no doing anything with them.”

He advanced a couple of paces into the room and then came to a standstill, his large, round eyes surreptitiously peeping past his master to the other occupant of the room.

“Well, I suppose it’s all right now?”