Risk nodded as much as to say: “That’s the right spirit,” and laid a couple of bank-notes on the table.
“For your expenses,” he said, and added a few instructions. “Mr. West shall be advised that you are leaving town, so you don’t need to trouble about your engagement with him. I’ll look for you to-morrow evening.”
Realizing that the interview was at an end, Colin rose.
“I’ll do my best, Mr. Risk.”
“I expect that of you, Mr. Hayward,” said the other, ringing the bell.
At the gate of the lift Colin stood aside to allow a lady to emerge. Their eyes met for an instant, and he noticed that hers were unusually luminous and wide-set. Then his mind went back to the business on hand.
“Hullo!” said Mr. Risk as his sister came in. “Hope I didn’t interrupt your muse in its description of some poor wretch’s wedding garments—”
“You did! The only amends you can make is to ring for tea and tell me why you wired for me.”
“To give you tea perhaps,” he said, pressing a button.
“Come, John! What do you want with me?”