Page 200 - of-human-bondage-

‘Emil, go down to Herr Sung’s room and enter without
knocking. If anyone is there say you came in to see about
the stove.’
No sign of astonishment appeared on Emil’s phlegmatic
face.
He went slowly downstairs. The Frau Professor and Anna
left the door open and listened. Presently they heard Emil
come up again, and they called him.
‘Was anyone there?’ asked the Frau Professor.
‘Yes, Herr Sung was there.’
‘Was he alone?’
The beginning of a cunning smile narrowed his mouth.
‘No, Fraulein Cacilie was there.’
‘Oh, it’s disgraceful,’ cried the Frau Professor.
Now he smiled broadly.
‘Fraulein Cacilie is there every evening. She spends hours
at a time there.’
Frau Professor began to wring her hands.
‘Oh, how abominable! But why didn’t you tell me?’
‘It was no business of mine,’ he answered, slowly shrug-
ging his shoulders.
‘I suppose they paid you well. Go away. Go.’
He lurched clumsily to the door.
‘They must go away, mamma,’ said Anna.
‘And who is going to pay the rent? And the taxes are fall-
ing due. It’s all very well for you to say they must go away. If
they go away I can’t pay the bills.’ She turned to Philip, with
tears streaming down her face. ‘Ach, Herr Carey, you will
not say what you have heard. If Fraulein Forster—‘ this was

1