But as the big plate-doors swung to, he felt something mortal upon him.
FOOTNOTES:
[10] Dr Cayley’s father was old “Honesty” Cayley, twice Mayor of Bletchton.
CHAPTER XII
Mr Burden stood at the counter where little rails of shining brass were reflected in the polished wood. He looked for some immediate obedience; but his aspect at this moment was not such that his wealth or station could be seen.
Mr Burden stood at the counter with both his hands upon it, waiting till someone should notice that he was there. Such duties are reluctantly undertaken by the youngest of a company, and there approached him at length a young clerk with pale and curly hair, watery blue eyes, and of a frank, uncivil manner, as though his heart were in the right place but very small.
Mr Burden said to him:
“I want to see Mr Abbott.”
With easy negligence the young clerk shoved across the counter a form on which was printed:—
