"Where does he live now?"
"Always here, except when he is not here. Third floor, on the left. You can ring the bell. Who knows? Perhaps he will open. I do not wish to tell lies."
The old man grunted, bent down over the shoe, and ran his awl through the sole. He was profoundly attached to Paul Griggs, who had always been kind to him, and since Gloria's death he defended him from visitors with more determination than ever.
Lord Redin stood still and said nothing. In ten seconds the cobbler looked up with a surly frown.
"If you wish to go up, go up," he growled. "If not, favour me by getting out of my light."
The Scotchman looked at him.
"You do not remember me," he observed. "I used to come here with the Signore."
"Well? I have told you. If you want him, there is the staircase."
"No. I do not want him," said Lord Redin, and he turned away abruptly.
"As you please," growled the cobbler without looking up again.