he mused) "I tell you what, I 'll stop that ridiculous business about Greystones in the morning. I 've got to go up to town. Do you think you could see me to-morrow in town? What with your father's public position and Mr. Brassington's, Mr. McAuley, it 's much better to have the whole of that other thing out in private. Couldn't you come early and stay to dine?"
"Yes," said Jimmy, rising to go, "I could; but wait a minute. I have promised my father to go to a big lecture—he wants me to take my sister."
"Where?" said Mr. Kirby carelessly.
"At the Research Club," said Jimmy. "Don't know who 's giving it. It 's about ghosts. It 'll be over by six. Where will you be stopping?"
"I shall be at the Rockingham Hotel," said Mr. Kirby, helping the young man on with his coat as they stood at the door. "It 's close to where the Research Club meets, and I 'll expect you any time from six o'clock onwards. I shan't go out. Good night," he said heartily, shaking Jimmy's hand with all the confidence in the world. "I don't understand it yet, but you 're both honourable men, and I fancy there 's been some mistake."
