A moment later James, newly returned from the South, entered the room from the office. Frederik had found it impossible to get on without him in the matter of winding up his uncle's business and had sent an urgent and somewhat peremptory call for his immediate return.
As, just then, he needed James, he was rather more civil to him than usual; but, from the first, he did not fail to sound the employer-employee note.
He came forward and shook hands cordially.
"Good-afternoon. Good-afternoon. How do you do, Hartmann? I'm very glad you consented to come back and straighten out a few matters. Naturally, there's some business correspondence I don't understand."
"I've already gone over some of it," answered Hartmann.
"I appreciate the fact that you came over on my uncle's account."
So saying, Frederik turned away with a ceremonious bow.
Hartmann went over to the desk and took a letter from the file. Then he said coldly:
"Oh, I see that Hicks of Rochester has written you. I hope you don't intend to sell out your uncle before his monument is set up."
Frederik turned toward Hartmann and put down his cigarette.