"You've been otherwise engaged. Fair charmer inside there now?" He pointed inquiringly towards the office.
"No, I'm all alone. Come inside, and have a glass of '48 port."
Vindt carefully laid down his heavy, ivory-handled cane, hung his coat and neck wrap over a chair, and stood with his hands in his pockets, facing him.
"Well, and what's the trouble now?" said Holm, struggling with a refractory cork.
"Holm, what do you say: could you imagine me in love?"
"No."
"Well, could you imagine old Hermansen on his knees whispering tender nothings to a woman?"
"What on earth...? Look here. Where have you been to lunch to-day?"
"I haven't been anywhere to lunch. But I'll tell you where I have been: I've been out to Clapham Junction, and seen our banker friend and the Sea Lady...."
"And who?"