“I slept last night at the 'Grand' It seemed odd sleeping in the same house—perhaps within a few doors of him. If you only knew how I love her, if I could only tell you, you would pity me. You ought to know what I feel—the anxiety, the heart-ache. I know you have gone through it all.”
“Yes, I think I know what it is,” Willy replied thoughtfully.
“Mr. Stracey is staying here?”
“Will you enquire at the office, sir?”
While the books were being searched the young men consulted together. Frank said: “Send up your card, and say you will be glad to speak to him on a matter of importance. Of course he will see you, but before you speak about Maggie you must apologise for my presence; you must say that I am a very particular friend, and that you thought it better that the interview should take place in the presence of a witness.”
“I wish it were all over. I wouldn't do what I am doing for any one else, I can tell you, Frank.”
“Mr. Stracey is in the hotel, sir.”
“Will you give him my card, and say I should be glad to speak to him on a matter of importance?”
“Very good, sir.”
(In an undertone to Frank), “Was that right?”