Mr. Smith came forward, smiling suavely.
“You wish to see one of the firm, sir?” He bowed in advance.
“Yes. That's the third time I've said what I wish. I have no time to lose and not much patience, either!” He twitched his neck and twisted his head as though his collar were too tight. It was a habit, and it became more pronounced with his annoyance. All the clerks noticed it.
Mr. Smith bit his lip and said, very politely: “Yes, sir. It happens that none of them is in at present. If you will tell me what you wish to see them about I may suggest—”
The fur-coated man turned on his heel, his face dark red with annoyance, and started to leave the shop.
“Good-by, old Jerk-Neck!” muttered the offended clerk.
Mr. Boon entered at that very moment.
“Here's Mr. Boon, our senior partner,” said Mr. Smith, with an irritation in his voice that he could not conceal, and that now gave Mr. Boon his cue.
“You wish to see me?” Mr. Boon asked it very coldly, ready to say no.
“You have an annoying set of clerks here,” said the fur-coated stranger. “I wished to see one of the firm and—”