Mr Bailey, taking up his name without delay, returned with a request that he would follow him into his master’s chamber. The chairman of the Anglo-Bengalee Disinterested Loan and Life Assurance Board was dressing, and received him as a business person who was often backwards and forwards, and was received at all times for his business’ sake.
‘Well, Mr Nadgett?’
Mr Nadgett put his hat upon the ground and coughed. The boy having withdrawn and shut the door, he went to it softly, examined the handle, and returned to within a pace or two of the chair in which Mr Montague sat.
‘Any news, Mr Nadgett?’
‘I think we have some news at last, sir.’
‘I am happy to hear it. I began to fear you were off the scent, Mr Nadgett.’
‘No, sir. It grows cold occasionally. It will sometimes. We can’t help that.’
‘You are truth itself, Mr Nadgett. Do you report a great success?’
‘That depends upon your judgment and construction of it,’ was his answer, as he put on his spectacles.
‘What do you think of it yourself? Have you pleased yourself?’