You do not still believe that I am acting in collusion with him ?" "I do not," Kitwater answered vehemently.

"And I most humbly apologize for having said what I did.

It would have served me right if you had thrown the case up there and then, and I regard it as a proof of your good feeling towards us that you consent to continue your work upon it.
To-day is Friday, is it not?
Then perhaps by Sunday you may have something more definite to tell us." "It is just possible, I may," I returned.
"In that case I am instructed by my niece to ask if you will give us the pleasure of your company at Bishopstowe on that day.

After the toils of London, a day in the country will do you no harm, and needless to say we shall be most pleased to see you." I remembered the girl's pretty face and the trim neat figure.

I am not a lady's man, far from it, nevertheless I thought that I should like to renew my acquaintance with her.
"I shall be very pleased to accept Miss Kitwater's invitation, provided I have something of importance to communicate," I said.