Page 82 - English Class 07
P. 82
His promenade carried him out of earshot at the critical moment when he was about to
disclose the elusive identity. The Lady who? Jerton could scarcely run after a total stranger,
break into his conversation, and ask him for information concerning a chance passer-by.
Besides, it was desirable that he should keep up the appearance of looking after the
luggage. In a minute or two, however, the important personage, the man who knew, came
strolling back alone. Jerton summoned up all his courage and waylaid him.
promenade : a public place for walking beside the sea
waylaid : to stop on the way
“I think I heard you say you
knew the lady who went out of
the hotel a few minutes ago, a
tall lady, dressed in grey. Excuse
me for asking if you could tell me
her name; I’ve been talking to
her for half an hour; she – er –
she knows all my people and
seems to know me, so I suppose
I’ve met her somewhere before,
but I’m blest if I can put a name
to her. Could you?”
“Certainly. She’s a Mrs Stroope.”
“Mrs?” queried Jerton. “Yes,
she’s the Lady Champion at golf
in my part of the world. An awful
good sort and goes about a good
deal in society, but she has an
awkward habit of losing her
memory every now and then,
and gets into all sorts of fixes.
She’s furious, too, if you make
any allusion to it afterwards.
Good day, Sir.”
The stranger passed on his
way and before Jerton had time
to assimilate his information, he
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