He returned to his writing, evidently considering the matter disposed of; after a long time Christopher, still smarting from Mr. Hurd’s contemptuous remark, said: “Well?” in a questioning tone.
Mr. Hurd looked up in displeasure. “Please state your business; my time is limited,” he said.
Christopher flushed a sickly green over all his yellow face. “Mr. Hurd, I came to you to have you intercede for me with my wife; she will not allow me to speak to her, and caused the servants to throw me out of the house.”
The lawyer held up his hand: “First, if you wish me to take your case, I must receive a retainer; I do business in no other way.”
Christopher opened his lashless eyes in a grotesque stare. “Sir! You have all of my business in your hands, and have had it for years,” answered he angrily.
Mr. Hurd turned around in his office chair, and gave his caller an angry look; he touched the button at his side; a colored servant came instantly.
“James, show this man out.” Turning to Christopher he said:
“I have no time to be bothered with such nonsense. The idea of your trying to palm yourself off for Christopher Hembold!” he cried, with withering contempt.
Christopher stalked out of the office in a rage. He went direct to his room at the hotel; he threw himself into a chair, and buried his face in his hands; his attitude expressed the utmost dejection; after a time he arose and stood before the mirror:
“Is it possible that Maria did not know me?” he looked at himself scornfully: “Who would know you? You old, yellow-faced, putty baby, you!” he apostrophized, shaking his fist at his reflection. “Serves you right; serves you right, you old idiot! Fool with the ‘X’ ray, will you, trying to find out if you do know anything? I can tell you that you are a fool. Fool! fool!” he cried tragically.