The Man in Possession — page 223: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

218 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. had the trouble of calling again for—for nothing. We only returned from the country to-day, and my father has gone out to his club. Perhaps you are surprised that I know your—business—with him. I do—lI am very vexed about it. There was no neces- sity for your generous aid. No, pray do not speak, let me finish. . . . But, be quite sure you will not have to wait long. The money shall be repaid—very soon.” ““T. . . indeed, I am in no hurry,” stammered the young man, his voice still very low, his face kept studiously in the shadow. ‘‘ And it was not on that matter I called, pray believe me. It was only just to know that you were well... and safe, Miss . . . and had enjoyed your visit.” Kate felt rather astonished. Surely this was a very extraordinary interest for a bailiff to manifest. She looked quickly up, but the face was in shadow, and the down-cast eyes betrayed nothing. ‘‘You can see I am safe and well,” she said coldly. ‘‘As for my visit and whether I enjoyed it, well, I fail to see how that can possibly interest you. Unless ” She paused. The colour rose to her face and her breath came quicker—‘‘ Unless,” she went on hurriedly, ‘‘you have heard anything about me? For, strangely enough, that mysterious double of yours was staying at Croft... Lady Jocelyn’s country house. I was quite startled by the likeness. ” The leaping fire-flames seemed to throw a ruddy glow on the young man’s cheek. He shifted his position uneasily. COMicloe (Sri C(O)