"Dr Colman," said Basil, turning to him, "will you entertain
Professor Chadd again for a little while? I am sure that he needs
you. Mr Bingham, might I have the pleasure of a few moments'
private conversation? My name is Grant."
Mr Bingham, of the British Museum, bowed in a manner that was
respectful but a trifle bewildered.
"Miss Chadd will excuse me," continued Basil easily, "if I know
my way about the house." And he led the dazed librarian rapidly
through the back door into the parlour.
"Mr Bingham," said Basil, setting a chair for him, "I imagine that
Miss Chadd has told you of this distressing occurrence."
"She has, Mr Grant," said Bingham, looking at the table with a sort
of compassionate nervousness. "I am more pained than I can say by
this dreadful calamity. It seems quite heart-rending that the thing
should have happened just as we have decided to give your eminent
friend a position which falls far short of his merits. As it is, of
course--really, I don't know what to say. Professor Chadd may, of
course, retain--I sincerely trust he will--his extraordinarily
valuable intellect. But I am afraid--I am really afraid--that it
would not do to have the curator of the Asiatic
manuscripts--er--dancing about."
"I have a suggestion to make," said Basil, and sat down abruptly in
his chair, drawing it up to the table.
Pages:
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159