Accepting a cigar, Mr. Polycarp departed.
Without giving himself time to think, Hugo went straight to Department 42, and direct to the artist in hats. She stood pale and deferential to receive him. The heat was worse than ever.
'Your name is Payne, I think?' he began. (He well knew her name was Payne.)
'Yes, sir.'
Other employés in the trying-on room looked furtively round.
'About half-past eleven an old gentleman, with white moustache, came into this room, Miss Payne. You remember?'
'Yes, sir.'
'What did he want?'
'He was inquiring about a hat, sir,' she hurriedly answered.
'For a lady?'