Part 13 (2/2)

So it would appear that it was Andy's ill-fortune to interrupt.

Harry was smoking. He took his cigar out of his mouth to greet Andy.

”Treadmill again, old boy? Getting the fat off?”

”You're the one man I wanted to see.” Then Andy's face fell; it was an awful moment. ”I want to ask your advice.”

”Look sharp!” said Harry, smiling. ”I've an appointment. She'll be here any minute.”

”Jack Rock's offered to turn the shop over to me, as soon as I learn the business. I say, I--I suppose I ought to accept? He says it's worth hard on five hundred a year. I say, keep that dark; he told me not to tell anybody.”

”Gad, is it?” said Harry, and whistled softly.

Vivien came in sight of him, and walked more slowly, dallying with antic.i.p.ation.

”Splendid of him, isn't it? I say, I suppose I ought to--to think it over?” He had been doing nothing else for what seemed eternity.

Harry laughed--that merry irresponsible laugh of his. ”Blue suits your complexion, Andy. It seems d.a.m.ned funny--but five hundred a year! Worth that, is it now, really? And he'd probably leave you anything else he has.”

Silently-flitting Vivien was just behind Harry now. Andy saw her, Harry was unaware of her presence. She laid her finger on her lips, making a confidant of Andy, in her joy at a trick on her lover.

”Of course it--well, it sort of defines matters--ties you down, eh?”

Harry's laugh broke out again. ”Andy, old boy, you'll look infernally funny, pricing joints to old Dove or Miss Pink! Oh, I say, I don't think you can do it, Andy!”

”Don't you, Harry?” Andy's tone was eager, beseeching, full of hope.

”But I suppose you ought.” Harry tried to be grave, and chuckled again.

”You'd look it uncommon well, you know. You'd soon develop the figure.

Old Jack never has--doesn't look as if his own steaks did him any good.

But you--we'd send you to Smithfield in no time!”

”What are you two talking about?” asked Vivien suddenly.

”Oh, there you are at last! Why, the funniest thing! Old Andy here wants to be a butcher.”

”I don't want--” Andy began.

”A butcher! What nonsense you do talk sometimes, Harry!” She stood by Harry's side, so happy in him, so friendly to Andy.

”Fact!” said Harry, and acquainted her with the situation.

Vivien blushed red. ”I--I'm very sorry I said what--what I did to you.

You remember?”

”Oh yes, I remember,” said Andy.

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