"Well, what could be better?" I said; "I'm going to have two rooms, and
Mary will be always at hand to attend upon us, and you will not have to
turn out."
"But the money?" he said, looking at me searchingly.
"Revitts and his wife have been saving people," I replied, "and they had
their savings to invest. I don't think they could have done better."
Hallett did not seem satisfied, but he was too much of a gentleman to
push his questions home, and the matter dropped. The old tenant of the
house moved out at once; Mary had a charwoman at work for a general
clean up, and ended by dismissing her for smelling of gin, and doing the
cleaning herself; and before a fortnight was over the change had been
made, and I was able to congratulate myself on a capital arrangement.
"You think it is now," I said, "Hallett, don't you?"
"I do now, Antony," he said, "for more reasons than one."
"What do you mean?" I said; for he looked very peculiar and stern.
"I have seen that man hanging about here once or twice."
"Mr Lister?"
He nodded.
"Oh, but surely that is all over. He would never dare."
"He hates me, I am sure, Antony," he replied, "and would do anything to
injure me; and, besides, such a man as that would not lightly give up
his plans."
"But Linny dislikes him now, I am sure," I said.
"I am not," he replied sadly; and no more was said.