On the
surface the reason seemed to be Argyl. Yet Hapgood showed a new side,
a determination most unusual in him. Later Conniston was to know, to
understand.
"And you like it?"
"Immensely. You ought to try it, Roger!"
Hapgood shuddered. "Couldn't think of it. A lark, no doubt, but I
haven't the time for larks nowadays. I'm in the law." He turned to Mr.
Crawford. "Thanks to you. Fascinating, and all that, but it does keep
a man busy. I hated to disturb you to-night," with an apologetic smile
at Argyl, "but Mr. Winston thought that the matter ought to be brought
up before you immediately."
He was bursting with importance, some of which seemed to have popped
out of his inflated little being and now protruded from an inside
pocket in the form of some very legal-looking papers.
Mr. Crawford, upon his feet, said bluntly: "If we've got business,
Hapgood, we'd better be at it. Let's go into the office. Argyl, you
will excuse us? And you, Mr. Conniston?"
He went out. Hapgood tarried a moment for a lingering look at Argyl.
"You will excuse us, Miss Argyl? I'll hurry through with this as fast
as I can."
"I say, Roger," Conniston called after him, "I want to congratulate
you. I'm immensely glad that you have gone to work." He turned to the
girl who was watching them with thoughtful eyes. "Miss Crawford, what
do you say to a little stroll out on the front lawn while these men of
business transact their weighty affairs? It's the most wonderful night
you ever saw.
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