Mr. Romer was not at home!
For a moment they gazed blankly into each other’s faces. Finally Mr. Flint said, “Where has he gone?”
“I don’t know,” returned the servant.
“Is there any body in this house who does know?”
“His mother might.”
“Well then, we want to see his mother.”
The servant left them in the vestibule, and went up-stairs. Presently she returned, accompanied by a corpulent old lady.
“Did you desire to see Mr. Romer upon official business?"’ inquired the old lady.
“We did, madam—important official business,” said Mr. Flint.
“Then, gentlemen, you can’t see him till to-morrow morning at his office. He don’t see people officially after office-hours. If he did, he’d get no peace.”