"Good morning sir. I hope I have not kept you waiting," he said, holding out his hand to Mr. Stillinghast.
"No, sir; you are in very good time," he replied, shaking hands, and offering his guest a chair. "I see that you are not one who will let grass grow under your feet."
"I have my fortune to make, sir," replied the young man, laughing; "but can I serve you in any way, Mr. Stillinghast?"
"Michael! No, sir—no— Here Michael!" cried Mr. Stillinghast.
"Here, sir," answered the porter at the door.
"I wish to have a private conversation with this gentleman, and do not want to be interrupted; do you hear?"
"Bedad, sir, I'm not deaf no more than the next one; but suppose somebody comes to pay up rents, et cetera?"
"Well—well, they can wait," he replied.
"And supposin' they won't?" persisted Michael.
"In that case, rap at my door, and I will come out. Now, be off."