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'I say, it's all right, Mrs Ford. He was of the type which wastes no time on preliminary greetings. 'I've got him. 'Got him! Mrs Ford's voice was startled. 'Stanborough, you know. 'Oh! I I was thinking of something else. Won't you sit down? Lord Mountry sat down. 'The artist, you know.
In fifty-five minutes we are at Barnet pick up a stout gentleman and plethoric portmanteau in the green shades of Little Heath lane; and dashing through Hatfield, as if we were announcing Waterloo, change horses again at Stanborough.
Whatever Ogden might be, there was no doubt that Billy Stanborough, that fellow of infinite jest, was the ideal companion for a voyage. It would make just all the difference having him. The trouble was that Stanborough flatly refused to take an indefinite holiday, on the plea that he could not afford the time.
Mrs Ford shot a swift glance at the clock. 'I'm looking forward to it, she said. 'Well, then, why shouldn't we kill two birds with one stone? Combine the voyage and the portrait, don't you know. You could bring your little boy along he'd love the trip and I'd bring Stanborough what? This offer was not the outcome of a sudden spasm of warm-heartedness on his lordship's part.
Lord Mountry, pink with embarrassment, gurgled sympathetically. 'Since then I have not seen Ogden. That was why I was interested when you mentioned your friend Mr Stanborough. It struck me that Mr Ford could hardly object to my having a portrait of my son painted at my own expense. Nor do I suppose that he will, when if the matter is put to him.
He reached the door and opened it. 'By Jove, he said, springing round 'Stanborough! What about Stanborough? Shall I tell him to wait? He's down below, you know! 'Yes, yes. Tell Mr Stanborough I'm dreadfully sorry to have to keep him waiting, and ask him if he won't stay for a few minutes in the Palm Room. Inspiration came to Lord Mountry. 'I'll give him a drink, he said. 'Yes, yes, anything.
'Fine manly little fellow what? he continued. 'Yes, isn't he? His lordship stealthily resumed his former position. 'I recommended this fellow, Stanborough, if you remember. He's a great pal of mine, and I'd like to give him a leg up if I could. They tell me he's a topping artist. Don't know much about it myself.
He had pondered the matter deeply, and had come to the conclusion that, though it had flaws, it was the best plan. He was alive to the fact that a small boy was not an absolute essential to the success of a yachting trip, and, since seeing Ogden's portrait, he had realized still more clearly that the scheme had draw-backs. But he badly wanted Stanborough to make one of the party.
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