The fellow was sharper than he had thought, and better-looking than he

had hoped. He had a--a 'don't care' appearance that James, to whom risk

was the most intolerable thing in life, did not appreciate; a peculiar

smile, too, coming when least expected; and very queer eyes. He reminded

James, as he said afterwards, of a hungry cat. This was as near as he

could get, in conversation with Emily, to a description of the peculiar

exasperation, velvetiness, and mockery, of which Bosinney's manner had

been composed.

At last, having seen all that was to be seen, he came out again at the

door where he had gone in; and now, feeling that he was wasting time and

Advertisement..

strength and money, all for nothing, he took the courage of a Forsyte in

both hands, and, looking sharply at Bosinney, said:

"I dare say you see a good deal of my daughter-in-law; now, what does

she think of the house? But she hasn't seen it, I suppose?"

This he said, knowing all about Irene's visit not, of course, that there

was anything in the visit, except that extraordinary remark she had made

about 'not caring to get home'--and the story of how June had taken the

news!

He had determined, by this way of putting the question, to give Bosinney

a chance, as he said to himself.

The latter was long in answering, but kept his eyes with uncomfortable

steadiness on James.

"She has seen the house, but I can't tell you what she thinks of it."

Nervous and baffled, James was constitutionally prevented from letting

the matter drop.

"Oh!" he said, "she has seen it? Soames brought her down, I suppose?"

Bosinney smilingly replied: "Oh, no!"

"What, did she come down alone?"

"Oh, no!"

"Then--who brought her?"

"I really don't know whether I ought to tell you who brought her."

To James, who knew that it was Swithin, this answer appeared

incomprehensible.

"Why!" he stammered, "you know that...." but he stopped, suddenly

perceiving his danger.

"Well," he said, "if you don't want to tell me I suppose you won't!

Nobody tells me anything."

Somewhat to his surprise Bosinney asked him a question.

"By the by," he said, "could you tell me if there are likely to be any

more of you coming down? I should like to be on the spot!"

"Any more?" said James bewildered, "who should there be more? I don't

know of any more. Good-bye?"

Looking at the ground he held out his hand, crossed the palm of it with

Bosinney's, and taking his umbrella just above the silk, walked away

along the terrace.

Before he turned the corner he glanced back, and saw Bosinney following

him slowly--'slinking along the wall' as he put it to himself, 'like a

great cat.' He paid no attention when the young fellow raised his hat.




Most Popular