"Regular music-hall performances, so I'm told; short skirts and no end.
It seems a bit unusual for ladies and gentlemen to go in for that kind
of thing, but you'll have the place crammed to the doors, I promise you
so much."
When I left Bunting's almost the first person I encountered was Mr
Frank Spencer. I had it out with him then and there.
"Mr Spencer, will you at once return those four photographs of mine
which you have stolen, or will it be necessary to communicate with the
police?" He had the assurance to pretend to look surprised, but then he
had assurance enough to pretend anything. "Your mother informs me that
the whole idea of a performance in aid of the parochial charities is an
invention of your own; on your father's behalf she repudiates it
altogether. How dare you attempt to drag me into such a thing? As for
that miserable musical comedy of yours--"
"Of ours."
If I could believe my senses there was still a twinkle in his eye.
"Of yours; you will give me your word of honour that you will destroy
it at once, or I promise you that you shall hear from my solicitors."
"Really, Miss Wilson, I think it's rather hard of you to assail a
fellow tooth and nail like this."
"You think I'm hard on you, do you? Here comes someone who, I fancy,
you will find is of a different opinion." For who should come sailing
into sight but George. Although I had not the faintest notion where he
had sprung from, on the whole the sight of him was not unwelcome.
"George," I began, "Mr Spencer has stolen four of my photographs. I
want him to return them to me at once."
"So this is Mr Spencer." George looked him up and down in a style which
was not exactly flattering. "I am sure, Mr Spencer, that it is
unnecessary for me to emphasise Miss Wilson's request."
"Quite. Here are two of the photographs in question." He took one from
a cigarette-case, and a second from a pocket-book, as his mother had
said. That boy's audacity! "I will see that the other two are forwarded
directly I reach home."