"
"Out of curiosity," Wingrave remarked, "I should be glad to know why
you think so."
"Certainly," Aynesworth answered. "In the first place, I know the
story of your life, and the unfortunate incident which has kept you
out of society for the last ten years."
"From Lovell, I presume," Wingrave interrupted.
"Precisely," Aynesworth admitted. "Ten years' absence from English
life today means that you return to it an absolute and complete
stranger. You would be like a Cook's tourist abroad, without a guide
or a Baedeker, if you attempted to rely upon yourself. Now I am rather
a Bohemian sort of person, but I have just the sort of all-round
knowledge which would be most useful to you. I have gone a little way
into society, and I know something about politics. I can bring you
up-to-date on both these matters. I know where to dine well in town,
and where to be amused. I can tell you where to get your clothes, and
the best place for all the etceteras. If you want to travel, I can
speak French and German; and I consider myself a bit of a sportsman."
"I am sure," Wingrave answered, "I congratulate you upon your
versatility. I am quite convinced! I shall advertise at once for a
secretary!"
"Why advertise?" Aynesworth asked. "I am here!"
Wingrave shook his head.
"You would not suit me at all," he answered.
"Why not?" Aynesworth asked. "I forget whether I mentioned all my
accomplishments.
Pages:
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44