The speech was well-chosen, and left no room for doubt in Bertie's mind that the letter-box would be used. He took the desired document from his pocket.
' Here is the cheque,' he said, ' and here is the letter. The latter, you say, you are going to verify. I, on my side, I suppose, may verify what you give me.'
Bilton appeared to consider this for a moment.
' There was nothing said about that,' he remarked, ' but I feel certain that the lady would be willing to let you receive proof of her honourable dealing with you.'
' Did you say honourable dealing?' asked Bertie in a tone which required no answer.
Bilton opened the letter Bertie gave him, referred to a paper out of the alphabetical case, looked at the cheque, and handed him the packet. Bertie glanced at it, saw enough, and put it in his pocket.
' That's correct, then,' said Bilton.
Bertie rose.
' Next time you see Mrs. Emsworth, pray congratulate her for me,' he said. ' She has missed her vocation by going on the stage.'
' I am inclined to disagree with you,' said Bilton. ' It has developed her sense of plot. Must you be going? Good-bye. I suppose you are off to America again in a month. You may meet her there.'
' That is not possible,' said Bertie.
Bilton's smile which sped the parting guest did not at once fade when the guest had gone. It remained, a smile of amusement, on his face for a considerable time.
' God, what a fool !' he permitted himself to remark as he settled down to his work again.
