“Seems to me,” he remarked, “that I have struck a fortunate evening for my visit.”
Sir Edward touched the bell and his secretary appeared.
“Sidney,” he said, “I want you to find the gentleman whose name I am writing upon this piece of paper. If he is not in the reception rooms and has not arrived, telephone for him. Say that I shall be glad if he would come this way at once. He will understand that it is a matter of some importance.”
The secretary bowed and withdrew, after a glance at the piece of paper which he held in his hand. Sir Edward turned toward his visitor.
“Mr. Coulson,” he said, “will you allow me the privilege of offering you some refreshment?”
“I thank you, sir,” Mr. Coulson answered. “I am in want of nothing but a smoke.”
Sir Edward turned to the bell, but his visitor promptly stopped him.
“If you will allow me, sir,” he said, “I will smoke one of my own. Home-made article, five dollars a hundred, but I can’t stand these strong Havanas. Try one.”
Sir Edward waved them away.
“If you will excuse me,” he said, “I will smoke a cigarette. Since you are here, Mr. Coulson, I may say that I am very glad to meet you. I am very glad, also, of this opportunity for a few minutes’ conversation upon another matter.”