"Why, fortunately, no. I dropped in on Christopher Dent—"
"What—old Kit!" Charles laughed, and curled himself up in a corner of the divan, nursing his lame foot. "Good soul! I'm glad you thought of him."
"And while I was there who should come in but Dr. King, and he, when he found who I was, instantly invited me to supper."
"Excellent!" approved Charles. "It couldn't have been better."
They talked for some time of Dr. King and of the city and its changes; then there came a tap upon the door, and the affable clerk put in his head.
"Mr. Clark, of the Starry Cross, sir, when you are at leisure."
"I'll speak to him in a few moments." Then, as the clerk withdrew, Charles said to Anthony. "The skipper of one of my tea ships. He reached port while I was away."
"I'm afraid I've come in on you at a time when your attention is much engaged." Anthony got up. "Perhaps to-morrow or next day you'll not be so pressed."
"Sup with me to-night," said Charles, putting his arm about Anthony's shoulders. "I want you to make the acquaintance of Captain Weir."
"I've met the captain already," said the young man.