There was silence.
‘The last three years,’ he continued, ‘have made no slight difference in my position. Recall where I stood when you first knew me. I have done something since then, I think, and by my own steady effort.’
‘Indeed, you have.’
‘Just now I am in need of a little encouragement. You don’t notice any falling off in my work recently?’
‘No, indeed.’
‘Do you see my things in The Current and so on, generally?’
‘I don’t think I miss many of your articles. Sometimes I believe I have detected you when there was no signature.’
‘And Dora has been doing well. Her story in that girls’ paper has attracted attention. It’s a great deal to have my mind at rest about both the girls. But I can’t pretend to be in very good spirits.’ He rose. ‘Well, I must try to find out something more about poor Biffen.’
‘Oh, you are not going yet, Mr Milvain?’
‘Not, assuredly, because I wish to. But I have work to do.’ He stepped aside, but came back as if on an impulse. ‘May I ask you for your advice in a very delicate matter?’