His new coadjutor bowed.
"The telephone is ringing in the master's room," he observed. "You shall remain here, and I will answer it."
"That goes, Jappy," the man acquiesced. "If it's a young lady take her name, but don't say that Mr. Van Teyl's about. Forward young baggages some of them are."
Nikasti glided from the room, closed the door, and approached the telephone receiver.
"Yes," he acknowledged, "these are the rooms of Mr. Van Teyl… No, madam, Mr. Van Teyl is not in at present."
There was a moment's pause. Nikasti's face was impenetrable as he listened, but his eyes glowed.
"Yes, I understand, madam," he said softly. "You are Miss Van Teyl, and you wish to speak to your brother. The moment Mr. Van Teyl returns I will ring you up or fetch you."
He replaced the receiver upon its hook, and returned to the bedroom. For some little time he was initiated into the mysteries of his new master's studs, boots and shoes, and general taste in wearing apparel. Then the latter entered the sitting-room, and Nikasti obeyed his summons.
"Anyone called me up?" he inquired.
"No one, sir."