Gardner, that he will be able to
persuade you to take the house. Our client," he added, with a
bow, "would, I am sure, be delighted to hear that we had secured
for him so distinguished a tenant."
She smiled at him, a delightful mixture of graciousness and
condescension.
"You are very good," she answered. "The house sounds rather
large for me but it depends so much upon circumstances. If you
are ready, Mr.--"
"Tavernake," he told her.
"Mr. Tavernake," she continued, "my car is waiting outside and we
might go on at once."
He bowed and held open the door for her, an office which he
performed a little awkwardly. Mr. Dowling himself escorted her
out on to the pavement. Tavernake stopped behind to get his hat,
and passing out a moment afterwards, would have seated himself in
front beside the chauffeur but that she held the door of the car
open and beckoned to him.
"Will you come inside, please?" she insisted. "There are one or
two questions which I might ask you as we go along. Please
direct the chauffeur."
He obeyed without a word; the car glided off. As they swung
round the first corner, she leaned forward from among the
cushions of her seat and looked at him. Then Tavernake was
conscious of new things. As though by inspiration, he knew that
her visit to the office of Messrs. Dowling, Spence & Company had
been no chance one.
She remembered him, remembered him as the companion of Beatrice
during that strange, brief meeting.
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