‘Excuse me, old boy,’ he said, ‘if I was rude; but I’ve been a good deal worried and overworked lately, and I’m tetchy. What can I do for you?’
‘Give me an introduction to your solicitors, Grigg and Limpet.’
‘What the deuce do you want with solicitors, Ned?’ said Birnie, with a look of genuine astonishment.
‘Well, you see, I’ve followed your example and Gurth’s—I’ve gone up in the world a little. I’ve had a bit of luck, and I’ve got some property coming to me. I want a respectable firm of solicitors. I thought you wouldn’t object to give me a letter to yours.’
Birnie hesitated a moment. He was afraid of Marston. Still, he thought to himself, if it was anything wrong he wouldn’t go to Grigg and Limpet.
‘You hesitate,’ said Marston, watching Birnie’s countenance. ‘What’s your objection?’
‘None, my dear boy,’ answered the doctor hastily. ‘Of course I’ll give it you. Glad to do anything I can for you.’
While the doctor was writing the letter of introduction for Marston to take to Grigg and Limpet, the latter turned to the mantelpiece, where several visiting-cards were lying about.
He handled them carelessly till he came to one which he lifted up and looked at eagerly.
‘Hullo!’ he said, ‘then Gurth’s been here?’