Part 31 (1/2)
”Jimmie, you haven't any soul!” I said, in disgust.
Jimmie grunted.
A knock on the door.
”Please excuse me for interrupting you,” said Mary, ”but there are two reporters down-stairs, who want to know if they may photograph the front of the house for the Sunday _Battle Ax_.”
”Yes, I don't care. Tell them to go ahead.”
She shut the door and went away.
_Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie at Canterbury_.
”Oh, Jimmie,” sighed his wife.
Another knock.
”Mary, what _do_ you want?” I said, savagely.
She stuttered.
”And please, Missis, they want to know if you will just come and sit on the doorstep a moment with a book in your hand. I told them Mr.
Jardine wasn't at home, so they said you would do!”
”No, I won't. Tell my sister to put on my hat and hold the book in front of her face and be photographed for me.”
”Very well, Missis.”
She went out, and again I numbered the page and essayed to write. But I could not. I was rapidly becoming mired. I stonily refused to leave my desk, but sat staring at the wall, trying to get the thread of my narrative, when--Mary again.
She was in tears.
”I am afraid to speak to you, and I am afraid _not_ to speak to you,”
she stammered.
”Well, what is it?”
”Indeed, I try, Missis, but I can't seem to help you any. There are two young girls in the drawing-room, who want to know if Mr. Jardine will give his autograph to the Highland Alumnae Club. It has 472 members. They sent up their cards.”
I simply moaned.
”That will be a whole hour's work! I can't do it now. (Mary knows I always write Aubrey's autographs for him!) Tell them to leave the cards and call for them to-morrow.”
_Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie at Canterbury_.
”How in the world, Mrs. Jimmie, did you come to throw yourself away on Jimmie?” I said, with an impertinence which was only appreciated by Jimmie.