The Bandbox. Vance Louis Joseph

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      He nodded: “Yes.”

      “Then she may have overlooked something. Why take her word for it? There may be a card or something there now.”

      Staff looked startled and chagrined. “That’s so. It never occurred to me. I am a bonehead, and no mistake. I’ll just take a look, after we’ve run through this play.”

      “Why wait? Send for it now. I’d like to see for myself, if there is anything: you see, you’ve roused a woman’s curiosity; I want to know. Let me send Jane.”

      Without waiting for his consent, Alison summoned the maid. “Jane,” said she, “I want you to go to Mr. Staff’s stateroom – ”

      “Excuse me,” Staff interrupted. “Find the steward named Orde and ask him for the bandbox I gave him to take care of. Then bring it here, please.”

      “Yes, sir,” said Jane; and forthwith departed.

      “And now – while we’re waiting,” suggested Alison – “the play, if you please.”

      “Not yet,” said Staff. “I’ve something else to talk about that I’d forgotten. Manvers, the purser – ”

      “Good Heavens!” Alison interrupted in exasperation. She rose, with a general movement of extreme annoyance. “Am I never to hear the last of that man? He’s been after me every day, and sometimes twice a day… He’s a personified pest!”