“What’s he like?” Bertha asked. “Damn it, I’ve spoiled that one. I can’t talk and write at the same time.”

Elsie said, “Shall I see what he wants?”

“Yes. Close the door.”

Elsie closed the door behind her as she entered the reception-room. Bertha Cool resumed signing the letters, blotting the signatures carefully, glancing up at intervals toward the door which opened into the reception-room.

Bertha was down to the last few letters when Elsie Brand re-entered, carefully closing the door behind her.

“What’s his name?” Bertha asked.

“Everett Belder.”

“What’s he want?”

“Donald Lam.”

“Tell him Donald was in the Navy?”