‘The gentleman wishes to see the works, sir,’ said the clerk.
‘He can see the works at proper times,’ said Mr. Millbank, somewhat pettishly; ‘tell him the regulations;’ and he was about to go.
‘I beg your pardon, sir,’ said Coningsby, coming forward, and with an air of earnestness and grace that arrested the step of the manufacturer. ‘I am aware of the regulations, but would beg to be permitted to infringe them.’
‘It cannot be, sir,’ said Mr. Millbank, moving.
‘I thought, sir, being here only for a day, and as a friend of your son—’
Mr. Millbank stopped and said,
‘Oh! a friend of Oswald’s, eh? What, at Eton?’
‘Yes, sir, at Eton; and I had hoped perhaps to have found him here.’
‘I am very much engaged, sir, at this moment,’ said Mr. Millbank; ‘I am sorry I cannot pay you any personal attention, but my clerk will show you everything. Mr. Benson, let this gentleman see everything;’ and he withdrew.
‘Be pleased to write your name here, sir,’ said Mr. Benson, opening a book, and our friend wrote his name and the date of his visit to Millbank: