‘Umph!’ said the master, nettled, but not daring to say anything.
Like many a man equally powerful, this Napoleon was in some ways in awe of his unexceptionable clerk. Oakley might easily get another master, but it was doubtful whether his employer could get another clerk equal to Oakley.
‘A light post this morning, sir,’ said Oakley.
‘Umph!’ said the master again. ‘Take down this letter, and have it sent off instantly:
‘“Richard Redgrave, Esq., 4, Adelphi Terrace. Dear Sir,—I shall be obliged if you can make it convenient to call on me this morning as early as possible at the above address. The bearer can bring you here in his cab.—Yours truly.”’
The letter was written, signed, and despatched.
‘Anything from Gaunt and Griffiths?’ asked the Napoleon.
‘Yes, sir.’
Oakley turned to a letter on large, thick, quarto paper. The stationery of this famous firm of stock-brokers—perhaps the largest firm, and certainly the firm with the cleanest record, on the Exchange—was always of an impressive type.
‘They say, “We are obliged by your favour of to-day’s date. We can offer a limited number of La Princesse shares at twenty-five. We shall be glad to have your acceptance or refusal before noon to-morrow.—Your obedient servants, Gaunt and Griffiths.”’