“Then you know, sir, possibly why it was that when I sent you a summons I am kept waiting?”
“Yes, sir; I was delayed a little—”
“Oh, thank you. I am glad to hear that, Mr Herrick. Perhaps you have something else of importance to communicate?”
“Yes, sir, very.”
“Thank you. I am sorry I cannot ask you to sit down.”
“Don’t name it, sir,” I said quietly, while he began to breathe very hard.
“I was down with Ching the interpreter, sir, this morning—”
“Were you really, Mr Herrick?” he said sarcastically. “Dear me, I hope he is much better?”
“Yes, sir, he’s nearly all right. I was coming to you when I met Mr Barkins, and Smith.” I couldn’t say Mr Smith, I felt so exasperated against him.
“What a curious coincidence, Mr Herrick! If I had known I might have spared myself the trouble of sending.”