“Oh, it’s Mr. Grimshaw,” she said lightly. “Perhaps you know—”
“Indeed, I do,” said Ogden, and the two men approached and shook hands.
“We expected you Thursday,” said the secretary, with a formal bow.
“And I hope Miss Frink will forgive my impatience. She says she will.”
“Mr. Ogden and I were so surprised to see each other,” said Adèle. “We met in Atlanta through our interest in music. You came in the nick of time, Leonard. Stebbins was just going to take Mr. Ogden to Mr. Stanwood’s room and I intercepted him. Now you will do it.”
The secretary bowed again. “If that is Miss Frink’s wish.”
“Both Miss Frink’s and mine,” said Ogden pleasantly. “I understand the boy has provided a good deal of excitement in this corner of the world.”
“One can’t help being ill,” said Grimshaw stiffly, “but it is astonishing how that sort of thing permeates a house and changes its routine.”
Ogden’s fist doubled as he followed his guide, but he made no reply. The secretary as usual forgot to knock at the door of the White Room, and throwing open the door ushered in the guest.