He walked up Broadway in a leisurely manner, feeling that his hasty return was not desired. He reached the Fifth Avenue, and entering—it was the first time he had ever visited the hotel—went up to the desk.
The clerk was giving instructions to a bell boy, who was directed to carry a visitor’s card to No. 221. When at leisure, Chester asked:
“Has Mr. Paul Perkins, of Minneapolis, arrived at the hotel?”
The clerk looked over the list of arrivals. Finally his forefinger stopped at an entry on the book.
“Yes,” he answered, “he arrived last evening. Did you wish to see him?”
About this Chester was in doubt. He had only been asked to inquire if Mr. Perkins had arrived. He assumed, however, that the bookkeeper wished to see Mr. Perkins at the office. Accordingly he answered, “Yes, sir. I should like to see him.”
The clerk rang a bell and another bell boy made his appearance.
“Write your name on a card,” said the clerk, “and I will send it up.”
“The gentleman won’t know my name,” said Chester.
“Then give the name of your firm.”