"Thank you," he said at length, but not very graciously, "then they shall come here. I suppose you could not make it convenient to meet them for me at Paddington, Hamish?"
"That I certainly could not," replied Hamish. "You know my hours in the city, Gerald. If you are unable to go yourself, why don't you ask Roland? I don't suppose"--and Hamish broke into a smile--"his services are so valuable to Greatorex and Greatorex that they'd make an objection."
The mention of his brother was enough for Gerald. He called him a few contemptuous names, and went out to the cab, which had waited to drive him back to his chambers, and to the entertaining of his friends, who arrived in due course, and did not separate too soon.
Hamish finished his own work, and then he commenced for Gerald. He sighed a little wearily, as he adjusted his light. Ellen thought him long, and came in.
"Not ready yet, Hamish!"
"My darling, I must sit late tonight. I thought you had gone to bed."
"I have been waiting. You said at tea-time you had not so very much to do. It is twelve o'clock. Whatever's that?"
"Gerald Yorke's manuscript. He wants me to read it."
"Hamish! As if you had not too much work of your own!"
"One must do a little kindness now and then," he said cheerfully. "You go on, love. I'll come by-and-by."