I resumed my employment, but my mind was disturbed by the incident, and I could not drive it away. The man could not be a commercial traveller, I reflected, for those individuals are models of pleasantry and politeness, and do everything in their power to win your good graces. What, therefore, could be his object in paying me a visit? Had I done wrong in sending him away without inquiring its nature?
"Confound the fellow!" I said. "He has got into my head and is likely to remain there, a fixture. I suppose he has gone."
I went to the door and threw it open. On a little bench in the lobby outside sat the man, quietly and patiently.
"Not gone!" I cried.
"Not gone," he replied.
"You heard what I said, did you not?"
"Perfectly. You said Mr. Agnold cannot be seen today. Upon which I replied that I would wait till to-morrow."
"To wait here?" I exclaimed.
"Yes, to wait here till to-morrow, or the next day, or the next. In point of fact, to wait till I have had a few minutes' chat with Mr. Agnold."
"I am Mr. Agnold," I said, angrily.