"
The others had their backs to the girl, and by the time one or two of
them turned round she was quietly helping Courthorne's companion; but
it was a moment or two before Courthorne commenced to eat, for the
waitress was certainly Ailly Blake. It was as certain that she had
recognized him, which was, however, by no means astonishing, and this
promised another complication, for he was commencing to realize that
since Winston had gone to Silverdale it would be convenient that
Courthorne as such should cease to exist. He fancied that should any
of the men he was acquainted with happen to come across Winston at
Silverdale--which was, however, most unlikely--they might be deceived
by the resemblance between himself and the farmer; but it was hardly to
be expected that Ailly Blake would fail to be sure of him in any
circumstances and anywhere. He accordingly decided that he must have
an interview with her as soon as possible, and, since he had been in
many tight places before, in the meanwhile went on tranquilly with his
supper.
The meal was over, and the men clustered around the stove when he
gathered up one or two of the plates and laid them ready as the girl
moved along the table. She glanced at him for a moment, with startled
eyes. A spot of crimson showed in her cheek.
"I want a word with you," he said.
Ailly Blake flashed a swift glance round the room, and Courthorne
noticed with a little smile that it was one man in particular her gaze
rested on; but neither Potter nor any of the others seemed to be
observing them at that moment.
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