Kirk was puzzled by his visitor's manner. So, unseen in the shadows of
the gallery, was Steve.
'I can say what I wish to say in two words, Mr. Winfield,' said Bailey.
'This marriage is quite out of the question.'
'Eh?'
'My father would naturally never consent to it. As soon as he hears of
what has happened he will forbid it absolutely. Kindly dismiss from
your mind entirely the idea that my sister will ever be permitted to
marry you, Mr. Winfield.'
Steve, in the gallery, with difficulty suppressed a whoop of surprise.
Kirk laughed ruefully.
'Aren't you a little premature, Mr. Bannister? Aren't you taking a good
deal for granted?'
'In what way?'
'Well, that Miss Bannister cares the slightest bit for me, for
instance; that I've one chance in a million of ever getting her to care
the slightest bit for me?'
Bailey was disgusted at this futile attempt to hide the known facts of
the case from him.
'You need not trouble to try and fool me, Mr. Winfield,' he said
tartly. 'I know everything. I have just seen my sister, and she told me
herself in so many words that she intended to marry you.'
To his amazement he found his hand violently shaken.
'My dear old man!' Kirk was stammering in his delight. 'My dear old
sport, you don't know what a weight you've taken off my mind. You know
how it is. A fellow falls in love and instantly starts thinking he
hasn't a chance on earth. I hadn't a notion she felt that way about me.
I'm not fit to shine her shoes. My dear old man, if you hadn't come and
told me this I never should have had the nerve to say a word to her.
'You're a corker. You've changed everything. You'll have to excuse me.
I must go to her. I can't wait a minute. I must rush and dress. Make
yourself at home here. Have you breakfasted? George! George! Say,
George, I've got to rush away. See that Mr. Bannister has everything he
wants. Get him some breakfast. Good-bye, old man.' He gripped Bailey's
hand once more. 'You're all right. Good-bye!'
He sprang for the staircase. George Pennicut turned to the speechless
Bailey.
'How would it be if I made you a nice cup of hot tea and a rasher of
'am, sir?' he inquired with a kindly smile.
Bailey eyed him glassily, then found speech.
'Go to hell!' he shouted. He strode to the door and shot into the
street, a seething volcano.
George, for his part, was startled, but polite.
'Yes, sir,' he said. 'Very good, sir,' and withdrew.
Kirk, having reached the top of the stairs, had to check the wild rush
he was making for the bathroom in order not to collide with Steve, whom
he found waiting for him with outstretched hand and sympathetic
excitement writ large upon his face.
'Excuse me, squire,' said Steve, 'I've been playing the part of
Rubberneck Rupert in that little drama you've just been starring in. I
