He put the scarlet cloth inside the hat and let them drop. He took out a cigarette.
''You''re fucking cool,'' I said. I was shaking. ''Here''s Mrs Sucksby and Mr Ibbs, know everything.''
He laughed. ''I should say they do.''
''Gentleman!'' said Mrs Sucksby. ''Listen to me. Sue has told us terrible things. I want you to go.''
''Don''t let him leave!'' I said. ''He''ll send for Dr Christie!'' I waved my knife. ''Charles, stop him!''
Gentleman had lit his cigarette, but apart from that had not moved. He turned to look at Charles, who had taken a couple of doubtful steps towards him. He put his hand to Charles''s hair.
''So, Charley,'' he said.
''Please, sir,'' said Charles.
''You have found me out a villain.''
Charles''s lip began to tremble. ''Honest to God, Mr Rivers, I never meant to!''
''There, there,'' said Gentleman. He stroked Charles''s cheek. Mr Ibbs made a puffing sound with his lips. John got to his feet, then looked about him as if he did not know why he had done it. He blushed.