The assistant manager, nevertheless, appeared much more at ease than an hour ago. He was engaged in the latticed inclosure. He was smiling and humming a popular air. He saw Nick approach one of the windows and he turned to meet him.
“Is Mr. Garland busy?” Nick blandly inquired, bowing and smiling.
“Mr. Garland is absent just now,” Hart suavely rejoined.
“H’m, is that so?”
“I think he will return before noon,” Hart added. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Are you the assistant manager?”
“I am.”
“Perhaps, then, you will do as well, though Mr. Garland was mentioned to me,” said Nick. “It’s about a loan I wish to negotiate on some valuable jewelry. The amount is considerable, and——”
“Ah!”
Hart breathed an expressive sigh, one of avaricious anticipation, and he then hastened to open a door leading into the inclosure.