“Quite so.” Wu’s tone was as polite as his words. But the amusement—imperceptible to Gregory—was a little less, the contempt a little more.
“And so,” the Englishman continued, “If I’m blunt, it’s because—I mean business.”
“Business!” the mandarin exclaimed, “Ah! I wondered what had procured me the honor of this invitation—somewhat peremptorily conveyed, I fear I must remark. But doubtless that was done to save time too. However, if it is upon a matter of business——”
“If you’ll allow me to tell you first,” Gregory broke in irritably (and he was irritated almost beyond endurance), “then you’ll know better, won’t you?”
“One moment,” Wu interposed, slightly smilingly, “pardon me, but I do not like to remain seated whilst you are——”
“Never mind me,” the other said gruffly.
“Oh!” Wu returned simply, “I don’t. But still——”
“I think a man may please himself in his own office”—Gregory’s voice was querulous with irritation.
“Quite so,” the bland voice replied, “when he is alone.”
“Then”—pugnaciously—“if you don’t object, I think I’ll remain as I am.”