I glanced
nervously at my face in the mirror.
Comparatively little of "Jim" had yet been removed, for since
time was precious to my friend I had acted as his dresser before
setting to work to remove my own make-up. There were two
entrances to the establishment, by one of which Paul Harley
invariably entered and invariably went out, and from the other of
which "Bill Jones" was sometimes seen to emerge, but never Paul
Harley. That my friend had made good his retirement I knew, but,
nevertheless, if I had to open the door of the outer room it must
be as "Jim."
Thinking it impolite not to do so, since the one who knocked
might be aware that we had come in but not gone out again, I
hastily readjusted that side of my moustache which I had begun to
remove, replaced my cap and muffler, and carefully locking the
door of the dressing-room, crossed the outer apartment and opened
the door.
It was Harley's custom never to enter or leave these rooms except
under the mantle of friendly night, but at so early an hour I
confess I had not expected a visitor. Wondering whom I should
find there I opened the door.
Standing on the landing was a fellow-lodger who permanently
occupied the two top rooms of the house.
Pages:
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176