The old gentleman stuck his pen behind his ear and answered the summons.
James Hancock was seated at his desk. On it lay an envelope addressed in a lady's handwriting; he covered the envelope with a piece of blotting paper as Bridgewater entered.
"I'm going out this morning, Bridgewater, on some private business."
"Out this morning?" echoed Bridgewater in a tentative tone.
"Yes; I leave you in charge."
"But Purvis, Mr James, Purvis has an appointment with you at twelve."
"Oh, bother Purvis! Tell him to call to-morrow, his affair will wait; tell him the deed is not drawn and to come again to-morrow."
"How about Isaacs?"
"Solomon Isaacs?"