He spoke in quite a friendly way, and, on reaching the landing, shook hands.
‘Are you obliged to go at once? Or could I have a word with you?’
‘Come in.’
They entered the study, which was in some disorder; Reardon made no reference to circumstances, but offered a chair, and seated himself.
‘Have a cigarette?’ said Yule, holding out a box of them.
‘No, thank you; I don’t smoke so early.’
‘Then I’ll light one myself; it always makes talk easier to me. You’re on the point of moving, I suppose?’
‘Yes, I am.’
Reardon tried to speak in quite a simple way, with no admission of embarrassment. He was not successful, and to his visitor the tone seemed rather offensive.
‘I suppose you’ll let Amy know your new address?’