But it won't be possible for several days, because I've got a job that takes up all my spare time--and that I ought to be at work on now," I added, with a sudden qualm at the way in which I had forgotten the passage of time in the interest of Thorndyke's analysis.
My two friends looked at me inquiringly, and I felt it necessary to explain about the injured hand and the Tell el Amarna tablets; which I accordingly did, rather shyly and with a nervous eye upon Jervis.

The slow grin, however, for which I was watching, never came; on the contrary, he not only heard me through quite gravely, but when I had finished said with some warmth, and using my old hospital pet name: "I'll say one thing for you, Polly; you're a good chum, and you always were.

I hope your Nevill's Court friends appreciate the fact." "They are far more appreciative than the occasion warrants," I answered.
"But to return to this supper question: how will this day week suit you ?" "It will suit me," Thorndyke answered, with a glance at his junior.
"And me too," said the latter; "so, if it will do for the Bellinghams, we will consider it settled; but if they can't come you must fix another night." "Very well," I said, rising and knocking out my pipe, "I will issue the invitation to-morrow.

And now I must be off to have another slog at those notes." As I walked homewards I speculated cheerfully on the prospect of entertaining my friends under my own (or rather Barnard's) roof, if they could be lured out of their eremitical retirement.

The idea had, in fact, occurred to me already, but I had been deterred by the peculiarities of Barnard's housekeeper.