“Can I do anything for you?” the latter asked, noticing the woman’s hesitation.
“I want to see Mr. Ruff,” the visitor said.
“Mr. Ruff is out at present,” Violet answered.
“When will he be in?”
“I cannot tell you,” Violet said. “Perhaps you had better leave a message. Or will you call again? Mr. Ruff is very uncertain in his movements.”
Maud sank into a chair.
“I’ll wait,” she declared.
“I am not sure,” Violet remarked, raising her eyebrows, “whether that will be convenient. There may be other clients in. Mr. Ruff himself may not be back for several hours.”
“Are you his secretary?” Maud asked, without moving.
“I am his secretary and also his wife,” Violet declared. The woman raised herself a little in her chair.