I Came - I Saw - I Wondered by John Russell Fearn & Volsted Gridban

Author:John Russell Fearn & Volsted Gridban [Fearn, John Russell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781473209886
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group
Published: 2015-03-31T05:00:00+00:00

5

SEACOMBE spent all next morning working on his records, and by this time Lucy had grown accustomed enough to him to feel that she was quite safe, provided he did not try any more embarrassing experiments. Anyway, Arthur risked things far enough to go into town and dispose of his golden statuettes, returning home at lunch time with something like £300 in cash.

“Been okay?” he asked Lucy in an aside, and she nodded.

“Perfectly. He’s done nothing but sit and scribble. How did the big financial gold deal come off?”

“Perfectly! Three hundred of the best.” Arthur pulled out the notes and showed them, then returned them to his pocket. “Be a grand help for the time being. When it runs short we must apply to His Nibs for some more.” He pitched his voice to an even lower key. “Put up with him as much as possible. He’s definitely the goose that lays the golden eggs.”

“Without a doubt,” Seacombe agreed, rising to his feet—and as the two looked at him rather shamefacedly he added: “I have mentioned before about my long-distance hearing, my friends. I’m glad the gold proved useful. Don’t hesitate to ask when you require some more.”

“We won’t!” Lucy declared feelingly, and with that she hurried from the room to make the final preparations for lunch. Arthur remained where he was beside the table, and looked at Seacombe questioningly.

“How about the records? Everything working out as you’d hoped?”

“More or less. I have by now a good physical insight concerning Earthlings, but I need a great deal more on the emotional side. I have the hope that perhaps Madge Saunderson can supply that.”

“You’ll know by half past two,” Arthur smiled. “But don’t forget, Seacombe—she’s a somewhat doubtful character. You’ll be safest on the defensive.”

Seacombe only smiled and then turned to the table as Lucy brought in the lunch. Seacombe did not seem particularly interested in it, evidently thinking ahead to the afternoon, and at the first opportunity he took his departure, arriving at Madge Saunderson’s home just before two-thirty.

As on the previous evening the dispassionate manservant opened the door.

“Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Seacombe. Miss Saunderson is expecting you——”

Seacombe stepped into the hall and handed over his hat and coat.

“The mistress is in the observatory, sir. She asked if you would join her there. Shall I conduct you to——”

“No thanks, Parkinson. I know the way.”

Seacombe went on his way down the hall and up the massive staircase. In a few moments he was knocking on the observatory door. Almost instantly Madge Saunderson opened it to him and, in spite of himself, Seacombe gave a start.

Her attire now was slightly diaphanous, much more fitting for exclusive evening wear than afternoon. She had also obviously been at great pains to bring perfection to her make-up—and had succeeded—whilst her blonde hair was waved and fixed to an exquisite degree, something very different from the tumbled, disordered “waterfall” which Seacombe had previously seen.

“Do come in, Seacombe!” She caught at his hand and shook it warmly. “I’ve been looking forward to your coming.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.