"Whatever's the matter?" Hilda demanded in a low, harsh voice, as soon as the outer door had clicked. It was as if something sinister in her had been suddenly released.
"Matter? Nothing. Why?"
"You look so queer."
"Well--you come along with these shocks." He gave a short, awkward laugh. He felt and looked guilty, and he knew that he looked guilty.
"You looked queer when you came out."
"You've upset yourself, my child, that's all." He now realised the high degree of excitement which he himself, without previously being aware of it, had reached.
"Edwin, who is it in there?"
"Don't I tell you--it's a customer."
He could see her nostrils twitching through, the veil.
"It's George Cannon in there!" she exclaimed.