"My sister came round to the office some time ago asking me to spare you for an hour as she wished for your advice about a lease. That, of course, was all humbug: she wanted you for the purpose of talking about me?"
"That is true."
"The lease was never mentioned?"
"Not once, Mr James."
"All the conversation was about me and my welfare?"
"That it was."
"Now see here, Bridgewater, cast your memory back. Is this the first time in your life that my sister has invited you to my house in Gordon Square to discuss my welfare?"
"No indeed, sir. I've been there before."
"How many times?"
Bridgewater assumed the cast of countenance he always assumed when engaged in reckoning.