“A great deal,” Julian replied gravely. “First of all, though, I have an explanation to make.”
“I am afraid,” Mr. Stenson regretted, “that I am too much engaged this evening to enter into any personal matters. I am expecting a messenger here on very important official business.”
“I am that messenger,” Julian announced.
Mr. Stenson started. His visitor’s tone was serious and convincing.
“I fear that we are at loggerheads. It is an envoy from the Labour Party whom I am expecting.”
“I am that envoy.”
“You?” Mr. Stenson exclaimed, in blank bewilderment.
“I ought to explain a little further, perhaps. I have been writing on Labour questions for some time under the pseudonym of ‘Paul Fiske’.”
“Paul Fiske?” Mr. Stenson gasped. “You—Paul Fiske?”
Julian nodded assent.