ly possible way out。 Ruth had agreed to the proposed solution with more readiness than he had hoped for。 Yet; in spite of her acquiescence; he was left with a vague sense of uneasiness。 Something about her manner; he felt; had not been quite natural。 He frowned to himself。
〃Maybe I'm fanciful;〃 he muttered; 〃and yet … I bet there's something she has not told me。〃
Chapter 5
A USEFUL GENTLEMAN
Rufus Van Aldin had just finished the sparse breakfast of coffee and dry toast; which was all he ever allowed himself when Knighton entered the room。
〃Mr Goby is below; sir; waiting to see you。〃
The millionaire glanced at the clock。 It was just half…past nine。
〃All right;〃 he said curtly。 〃He can e up。〃
A minute or two later; Mr Goby entered the room。 He was a small; elderly man; shabbily dressed; with eyes that looked carefully all round the room; and never at the person he was addressing。
〃Good morning; Goby;〃 said the millionaire。 〃Take a chair。〃
〃Thank you; Mr Van Aldin。〃
Mr Goby sat down with his hands on his knees; and gazed earnestly at the radiator。
〃I have got a job for you。〃
〃Yes; Mr Van Aldin?〃
〃My daughter is married to the Hon Derek Kettering; as you may perhaps know。〃
Mr Goby transferred his gaze from the radiator to the left…hand drawer of the desk; and permitted a deprecating smile to pass over his face。 Mr Goby knew a great many things; but he always hated to admit