But
he would let the Cardews know who it was who had blocked it and saved
their skins. They'd have to receive him after that; they would
cringe to him.
Then, unexpectedly, he had one of the shocks of his life. He had
gone to the window and through it he saw Lily and Willy Cameron
outside. He clutched at the curtain and cursed under his breath,
apprehensively. But Willy Cameron did not come in; Akers watched
him up the street with calculating, slightly narrowed eyes. The
fact that Lily Cardew knew the clerk at the Eagle Pharmacy was an
unexpected complication. His surprise was lost in anxiety. But
Lily, entering the room a moment later, rather pale and unsmiling,
found him facing the door, his manner easy, his head well up, and
drawn to his full and rather overwhelming height. She found her
poise entirely gone, and it was he who spoke first.
"I know," he said. "You didn't ask me, but I came anyhow."
She held out her hand rather primly.
"It is very good of you to come."
"Good! I couldn't stay away."
He took her outstretched hand, smiling down at her, and suddenly
made an attempt to draw her to him.
"You know that, don't you?"
"Please!"
He let her go at once.
Pages:
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212