THE WHITE MONKEY , 305
saw a sudden quiver pass over the moustaches, as might
wind over grass. • ,'"•
4 Wrong phrase,' he thought; c we all do it, but we
can't bear being reminded of it.'
u Six weeks ago, however," he heard Soames intone, " an
accidental incident seems to have warned your late manager
that Sir Lawrence and I still entertained suspicions, for I
received a letter from him practically admitting that he had
taken this secret commission on the German business, and
asking me to inform the Board that he had gone abroad and
left no property behind him. This statement we have been
at pains to verify: In these circumstances we had no
alternative but to call you together, and lay the facts
before you."
The voice, which had not varied an iota, ceased its
recital; and Michael saw his father-in-law return to his
detachment—stork on one leg, about to apply beak to
parasite, could have inspired no greater sense of loneliness.
* Too like the first account of the battle of Jutland I J he
thought : ' He mentioned all the losses, and never once
struck the human note.'
A pause ensued, such as occurs before an awkward fence,
till somebody has found a gate. Michael rapidly reviewed
the faces of the Board. Only one showed any animation.
It was concealed in a handkerchief. The sound of the
blown nose broke the spell. Two shareholders rose to
their feet at once—one of them Michael's neighbour on
the right.
" Mr. Sawdry," said the Chairman, and the other share-
holder sat down.
With a sonorous clearing of the throat, Michael's neigh-
bour turned his blunt red face towards Soames.
" I wish to ask you, sir, why you didn't inform the Board
when you first 'card of this ? "