A vague sense of something like alarm began to mingle with his
first feeling of disappointment. He wrote at once to Mr. Rambert,
mentioning the discovery he had just made, and sent the note off
by his groom, with orders to the man to wait for an answer.
The reply with which the servant returned was almost insolent in
the shortness and coolness of its tone. Mr. Rambert had no books
in his library which were not in perfect condition. The volume of
the _Times_ had left his house perfect, and whatever blame might
attach to the mutilation of it rested therefore on other
shoulders than those of the owner.
Like many other weak men, Mr. Carling was secretly touchy on the
subject of his dignity. After reading the note and questioning
his servants, who were certain that the volume had not been
touched till he had opened it, he resolved that the missing
number of the _Times_ should be procured at any expense and
inserted in its place; that the volume should be sent back
instantly without a word of comment; and that no more books from
Mr. Rambert's library should enter his house.
He walked up and down the study considering what first step he
should take to effect the purpose in view. Under the quickening
influence of his irritation, an idea occurred to him, which, if
it had only entered his mind the day before, might probably have
proved the means of saving him from placing himself under an
obligation to Mr.
Pages:
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396