"Yes—?" she breathed excitedly.
He considered an instant longer, shook his head, and jumped up. "I must consult Arlington first," he declared. "I wouldn't care to commit him without his consent. No—don't get up. Just excuse me one minute. I'll be right back."
And before she could protest—had she entertained the faintest idea of doing anything of the sort—he left the room by the same door which had admitted him.
Immediately she was again aware of a rumble of voices in the next office, but now it was even more indefinite.
And again she waited a full five minutes alone....
When Marbridge rejoined her, it was with an air apologetic and disappointed.
"It's too bad," he announced, aggrieved, "but it seems Arlington has really gone for the day. I shan't see him before evening, likely, possibly not until tomorrow. So I must ask you to trouble yourself to come back, if you don't mind."
"Mind!" Joan laughed, rising. "Oh, I guess not."
"Well," Marbridge assured her, "I don't think you'll have any wasted time to regret. But I can't promise anything until I'm sure Arlington hasn't made other arrangements, or until I've managed to put a crimp into 'em if he has."
"But you mustn't do that—"