"He's not hurled out of the world," exclaimed Mr. Paget.
He rose and swore a great oath. Then he said in a quieter voice:—
"Ask Mr. Carmichael to step into my office."
"Into this room, sir?"
"Into this room. Go, fool."
Certainly Mr. Paget had some admirable qualities. By the time a pale-faced, slight, languid-looking man made his appearance, he was perfectly calm and self-possessed. He spoke in a courteous tone to his visitor, and bade him be seated.
They exchanged a few common-places. Then Mr. George Carmichael, who showed far more uneasiness than his host, explained the motive of his visit.
"You knew my father," he said. "Owing to a strange circumstance, which perhaps you are aware of, but which scarcely concerns the object of this call, certain papers of importance did not come into my hands until I was of age. These are the papers."
He placed two yellow documents on the table.
"I find by these that I am entitled to money which you hold in trust."