And when will the expedition take place ?" I asked.
"The inquest is fixed for to-morrow--what is the matter?
Does that fall foul of any arrangement of yours ?" "Oh, nothing of any importance," I replied hastily, deeply ashamed of the momentary change of countenance that my friend had been so quick to observe.
"Well, what is it ?" persisted Thorndyke.

"You have got something on." "It is nothing, I tell you, but what can be quite easily arranged to suit your plans." "_Cherchez la_--h'm ?" queried Thorndyke, with an exasperating grin.
"Yes," I answered, turning as red as a pickled cabbage; "since you are so beastly inquisitive.

Miss Gibson wrote, on behalf of Mrs.Hornby, asking me to dine with them _en famille_ to-morrow evening, and I sent off an acceptance an hour ago." "And you call that 'nothing of any importance'!" exclaimed Thorndyke.
"Alas! and likewise alackaday (which is an approximately synonymous expression)! The age of chivalry is past, indeed.

Of course you must keep your appointment; I can manage quite well alone." "We shouldn't be back early enough for me to go to Kensington from the station, I suppose ?" "No; certainly not.

I find that the trains are very awkward; we should not reach King's Cross until nearly one in the morning." "Then, in that case, I shall write to Miss Gibson and excuse myself." "Oh, I wouldn't do that," said Thorndyke; "it will disappoint them, and really it is not necessary." "I shall write forthwith," I said firmly, "so please don't try to dissuade me.