Not cheap,but earns her money well.There's no suspicion of being shadowed so far.But after a time,as you know,sensitive people are liable to get the feeling of it,without anything definite to go on.I should rather advise letting-up on 17,and keeping an eye on 47.We can't get at correspondence without great risk.Ihardly advise that at this stage.But you can tell your client that it's looking up very well."And again his narrowed eyes gleamed at his taciturn customer.
"No,"said Soames suddenly,"I prefer that you should keep the watch going discreetly in Paris,and not concern yourself with this end.""Very well,"replied Mr.Polteed,"we can do it.
"What--what is the manner between them?"
"I'll read you what she says,"said Mr.Polteed,unlocking a bureau drawer and taking out a file of papers;"she sums it up somewhere confidentially.Yes,here it is!'17very attractive--conclude 47,longer in the tooth'(slang for age,you know)--'distinctly gone--waiting his time--17perhaps holding off for terms,impossible to say without knowing more.But inclined to think on the whole--doesn't know her mind--likely to act on impulse some day.Both have style."'
"What does that mean?"said Soames between close lips.
"Well,"murmured Mr.Polteed with a smile,showing many white teeth,"an expression we use.In other words,it's not likely to be a weekend business--they'll come together seriously or not at all.""H'm!"muttered Soames,"that's all,is it?"