He then crossed the room to the peg where he kept his coat and hat, and was preparing to put them on when once again Dawson appeared.
"Miss Keys says she has come about Miss Aylmer's business, and she thinks you will not lose any time if you see her, sir."
Bertha Keys had quietly entered the apartment behind the clerk.
"I have come on the subject of Florence Aylmer and the manuscript you expect her to send you," said Bertha Keys. "Will you give me two or three moments of your valuable time?"
Dawson glanced at Franks. Franks nodded to him to withdraw, and the next moment Miss Keys and Mr. Franks found themselves alone.
Franks did not speak at all for a moment. Bertha in the meantime was taking his measure.
"May I sit down?" she said. "I am a little tired; I have come all the way from Shropshire this morning."
Franks pushed a chair towards her, but still did not speak. She looked at him, and a faint smile dawned round her lips.
"You are expecting Florence Aylmer's manuscript, are you not?" she said then.
He nodded, but his manner was as much as to say: "What business is it of yours?"