"Gentleman to see Miss Fairbrother."
A large man of the country builder type tramped in.
"You want," said George, with the air of one about to confer a favour, "to see Miss Fairbrother?"
"That's it, m'lad. Shall I go in?"
"If you will be so kind as to sit down," said George, with affability, "I will find out if the lady can see you. Our busiest time this; four people inside now."
"I know, I know, my lad. I have been dealing here this thirty year."
"Really?" said George.
"Yes," said the builder. "I knew your missis when she was a little 'un, two year old. They tell me she's grown a fine lass."
"She has," said George. He went inside.
Miss Fairbrother was engaged in the unbusinesslike occupation of looking over a pile of draper's patterns.