But you know what Benis is. He simply doesn't--your
cold is quite distressing, Doctor. Do take a troche."
The doctor took one.
"Of course Benis may object to a lady secretary--"
"By Jove," said Rogers as if struck with a brilliant idea. "Perhaps
his secretary is a lady!"
"How do you mean--a lady! Don't be absurd, Doctor. You said yourself
there was no proper hotel. Benis is discreet. I'll say that for
him."
The doctor's brilliance deserted him. He twiddled his thumbs. But
although Aunt Caroline's repudiation of his suggestion had been
unhesitating there was a gleam of new uneasiness in her eye. She
said no more. It was indeed quite half an hour before she remarked
explosively.
"Unless it were an Indian!"
Her companion turned from the scenery in pained surprise.
"An Indian what?" he asked blankly.
"An Indian secretary--a female one."
"Nonsense. Indians aren't secretaries."
But Aunt Caroline had "had a feeling." "It was your-self who
suggested that she might be a girl," she declared stubbornly, "and
if she is a girl, she must be an Indian. Indians are different--look
at Pullman porters."
The doctor gasped.
"Even I don't mind a Pullman porter," finished Aunt Caroline
grandly.
"That's very nice," the doctor struggled to adjust him-self. "But
Pullman porters are not Indians, and even if they were I can't quite
see how it affects Benis and his lady secretary."
"The principle," said Aunt Caroline, "is the same.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142