I
shall be home for dinner."
Woodden pulled his forelock, seized the pot in his left hand, and
departed with his right fist raised--I suppose in case Sir Alexander
should be waiting for him round the corner.
Then we departed also and, after stopping for a minute at the bank to
pay in the cheque, which I noted, notwithstanding its amount, was
accepted without comment, ate oysters in a place too crowded to allow
of conversation.
"Mr. Quatermain," said my host, "it is obvious that we cannot talk
here, and much less look at that orchid of yours, which I want to
study at leisure. Now, for a week or so at any rate I have a roof over
my head, and in short, will you be my guest for a night or two? I know
nothing about you, and of me you only know that I am the disinherited
son of a father, to whom I have failed to give satisfaction. Still it
is possible that we might pass a few pleasant hours together talking
of flowers and other things; that is, if you have no previous
engagement."
"I have none," I answered.
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