"Is it as bad as all that? I am not very thin skinned, I can assure you, Knighton."
"No," said Knighton; "but this—"
He paused.
Derek eyed him keenly.
"Go on, out with it," he said kindly. "I can imagine my dear father-in-law's errands might not always be pleasant ones."
Knighton cleared his throat. He spoke formally in tones that he strove to render free of embarrassment.
"I am directed by Mr. Van Aldin to make you a definite offer."
"An offer?" For a moment Derek showed his surprise. Knighton's opening words were clearly not what he had expected. He offered a cigarette to Knighton, lit one himself, and sank back in his chair, murmuring in a slightly sardonic voice:
"An offer? That sounds rather interesting."
"Shall I go on?"