"I shall be very glad to see you, sir," said the middle-aged man imperturbably, "in a quarter of an hour. Excuse me," and he turned back to finish his sentence to the other business man.
"Jasper," cried Mr. King, taking short, quick steps to where Jasper stood, "give me a sheet of paper so that I may write to this fellow, and take you out of his contemptible trade—or stay, I will write from the hotel," and he started for the door.
"Father," exclaimed Jasper in a low tone, but so distinctly that every one standing near might hear, "Mr Marlowe is just right; he always is."
"Eh?" cried his father, turning and grasping the back of a chair to steady himself.
"Mr. Marlowe is just right about these things. He really couldn't see you, father."
"I have never been obliged to wait for any one in all my life, Jasper," declared his father impressively, "and I never will."
"I wonder what Polly would do now," thought Jasper in despair.
"And that you could tolerate such impertinence to me," continued Mr. King with growing anger, "is more than I can understand; but since you've come into trade it's vastly changed you. If you do not choose to come to the hotel with me, I must go alone," which with great dignity he now proceeded to do.
The first business man who had finished his conference with Mr. Marlowe now came down the salesroom. "How d'ye, King," he said cordially to Jasper in passing.
Jasper's face lighted as he gave an equally cordial response.