CHAPTER XVII
WEDNESDAY MORNING
IT was, however, a most unpleasant smile that accompanied John’s words. It brought to Sponley’s mind the story Hauxton had recalled to him that afternoon, of John Bags- bury’s moment of indecision whether or not to kick Drake downstairs. He was himself no weakling, even when measured by a merely physical test ; but he had no wish to try con- clusions of that sort with the Banker, and he took his leave promptly.
Then Alice went upstairs to assure herself that Harriet was being well cared for, and a few moments later d**k came down to the library.
“ Mrs. Sponley is sleeping heavily,” she said in answer to John’s inquiry. “ There’s nothing we can do, I suppose, but leave her alone and keep everything quiet.”
Then she hesitated, “ Wasn’t he down here ? “ she
