AN EVENING AT MAH JONG
A fourth or super-theory was propounded by Caroline later as we went up to bed.
"Mark my words," she said suddenly, "I shouldn't be at all surprised if Geoffrey Raymond and Flora weren't married."
"Surely it would be 'From G', not 'From R' then," I suggested.
"You never know. Some girls call men by their surnames. And you heard what Miss Ganett said this evening—about Flora's carryings on."
Strictly speaking, I had not heard Miss Ganett say anything of the kind, but I respected Caroline's knowledge of innuendoes.
"How about Hector Blunt," I hinted. "If it's anybody———"
"Nonsense," said Caroline. "I dare say he admires her—may even be in love with her. But depend upon it a girl isn't going to fall in love with a man old enough to be her father when there's a good-looking young secretary about. She may encourage Major Blunt just as a blind. Girls are very artful. But there's one thing I do tell you, James Sheppard. Flora Ackroyd does not care a penny piece for Ralph Paton, and never has. You can take it from me."
I took it from her meekly.
[201]
