‘I know where he is,’ said Clara, rising. ‘I will take you to him. He is in the study.’
She took no heed of the glance broadly thrown at her, but approached the door.
I opened it, and followed her out of the room. As soon as we were beyond hearing, she burst out laughing. ‘How dared you show your workman’s face in that drawing-room?’ she said. ‘I am afraid you have much offended her ladyship.’
‘I hope it is for the last time. When I am properly attended to, I shall have no occasion to trouble her.’
She led me to Sir Giles’s study. Except newspapers and reports of companies, there was in it nothing printed. He rose when we entered, and came towards us.
‘Looking like your work already, Mr Cumbermede?’ he said, holding out his hand.
‘I must not shake hands with you this time, Sir Giles,’ I returned. ‘But I am compelled to trouble you. I can’t get on for want of attendance. I must have a little help.’
I told him how things were. His rosy face grew rosier, and he rang the bell angrily. The butler answered it.
‘Send Mrs Wilson here. And I beg, Hurst, you will see that Mr Cumbermede has every attention.’
Mrs Wilson presently made her appearance, and stood with a flushed face before her master.