Thus they stood for a moment, he undecided, she on the defensive, when the door opened and a man came into the room. Mr Orgles, with an unpleasant look on his face, turned to see who the intruder might be.
"I've been looking for you, Orgles," said the man.
"Indeed, sir! Very sorry, sir," remarked Mr Orgles, who wore such an attitude of servility to the newcomer that Mavis could hardly believe him to be the same man.
"I see you're busy," continued the intruder. "Engaging someone in Miss Jackson's place?"
"I was thinking about doing so, sir."
"Why hesitate?"
Here the man—he was tall, dark, and fresh-coloured—looked kindly at Mavis; although not a gentleman, he had an unmistakable air of authority.
"There's no reason why I shouldn't, sir, only—"
"Only what?"
"She's had no experience, sir."