She roused herself with an effort, and crossed the room to where he sat.
"I came to see Mr. Corri from Messrs. Pattenden," she faltered, "about a new work they're publishing. I've brought a specimen. If I am not disturbing you——?"
She put it down as she spoke, and stood a pace or two behind him, watching the effect.
"Is this woman very nervous?" said Kincaid to himself. "So she's a book-agent! I thought she had something to sell. Good Lord, what a life!"
"Thanks," he answered. "I'm very busy just now, and I never buy my books on the subscription plan."
"You could have it sent in to you when it's complete," she suggested.
He drummed his fingers on the title-page. "I don't want it."
"Perhaps Mr. Corri——?"
"I can't speak for Mr. Corri; but don't wait for him, on my advice. I'm afraid it would be patience wasted."
He shut the Album up, intimating that he had done with it. But the woman made no movement to withdraw it, and he invited this movement by pushing the thing aside. He drew the blotting-pad forward to resume his letter; and still she did not remove her obnoxious specimen from the desk. He was beginning to feel irritated.