"Of course, I shall have to wait my opportunity," he said, at last.
"You wait as long as you like, my boy," said the thoughtless Mr. Gunnill.
Mr. Sims thanked him.
"Wait till Cooper's an old man," urged Mr. Drill.
Miss Gunnill, secretly disappointed at the lack of boldness and devotion
on the part of the latter gentleman, eyed his stalwart frame indignantly
and accused him of trying to make Mr. Sims as timid as himself. She
turned to the valiant Sims and made herself so agreeable to that daring
blade that Mr. Drill, a prey to violent jealousy, bade the company a curt
good-night and withdrew.
He stayed away for nearly a week, and then one evening as he approached
the house, carrying a carpet-bag, he saw the door just opening to admit
the fortunate Herbert. He quickened his pace and arrived just in time to
follow him in. Mr. Sims, who bore under his arm a brown-paper parcel,
seemed somewhat embarrassed at seeing him, and after a brief greeting
walked into the room, and with a triumphant glance at Mr. Gunnill and
Selina placed his burden on the table.
[Illustration: "He saw the door just opening to admit the fortunate
Herbert."]
"You--you ain't got it?" said Mr. Gunnill, leaning forward.
"How foolish of you to run such a risk!" said Selina.
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