Part 31 (1/2)
”Excusedespite his late assertions of independence ”You findto keep cool under adverse conditions Had I known----”
”The weather is very sultry, is it not?” said Mrs Peters, with a glare that said, ”I told you so!”
Robert surveyed theht the vicar's wife, like a ed by the officers of the law
”I called,” he said quickly, ”because I wanted your advice and help”
”Certainly, if I can be of any use,” replied the vicar ”Clara, my love----?”
His tone indicated a request that she would leave then of corimly
”But, Clara----”
”I--I should like to speak to your husband alone,” said Robert, nervous but determined ”You see, it is very private----”
”Of course, Mr Bangs I quite understand Perfectly natural My dear----”
”I think not, Charles Mr _Bangs_ will understand why”
”I don't at all,” said Robert, dismayed and puzzled ”I have come here for advice and help As a matter of fact, I have to make a confession----”
The vicar shrank
”I do not hear confessions,” he said ”I do not approve----”
”Evangelical,” snapped Clara (Yes: there are vicar's wives who snap, and she was one)
”I don't understand,” repeated Robert wearily Then suddenly a light broke on hih for five days ”Oh, I see! I don't mean _that_ kind of confession This is purely a personal matter--man to man”
”In that case, my love, I think----”
”No,” said the resolute woman ”I aer I have kept silence, perhaps too long Mr
_Bangs_, yesterday I telephoned to Bloomsbury 843B”
”_What!_” said Robert with a moan ”You telephoned _there_!”
CHAPTER XXIII
STILL RUNNING