“He’s better than he used to be, isn’t he?”
“Well—yes, I think perhaps on the whole he is.”
“You ought to have been there, Hancock. Cleave came. He was in no end of form. Told us some fine ones. Have a biscuit and butter Miss Hens’n.”
Miriam refused and excused herself.
On her way upstairs she strolled into Mr. Leyton’s room. He greeted her with a smile—polishing instruments busily.
“Mr. Hancock busy?” he asked briskly.
“M’m.”
“You busy? I say if I have Buck in will you finish up these things?”
“All right, if you like” said Miriam, regretting her sociable impulse. “Is Mr. Buck here?” She glanced at the appointment book.
“Yes, he’s waiting.”