This kind invitation was not at once accepted.
“You refuse my offers?” said the stranger curtly, without deigning to notice the sub-editor.
Mr. Bodery had turned his attention to his letters, of which he was cutting open the envelopes, one by one, with a paper-knife, without, however, removing the contents. He looked up.
“To-morrow morning,” he said, “you will be able to procure a copy from any stationer for the trifling sum of sixpence.”
Then the stranger walked slowly past Mr. Morgan out of the room.
“A curse on these Englishmen!” he muttered, as he passed down the narrow staircase. “If I could only see the article I could tell whether it is worth resorting to stronger measures or not. However, that is Talma's business to decide, not mine.”
Mr. Morgan closed the door of the small room and resumed his seat. He then laughed aloud, but Mr. Bodery did not respond.
“That's one of them,” observed Mr. Morgan comprehensively.
“Yes,” replied the editor, “a dangerous customer. I do not like a blue-chinned man.”
“I was not much impressed with his diplomatic skill.”