“Don’t be melodramatic—just go—for I’m busy.”
Gaunt felt a little regret when he was alone, but the feeling quickly passed. The fact that he had said that he would do no more for Braithwaite rendered anything but refusal impossible.
Soon he was again interrupted by the entrance of Foster, who announced that Amantis were still rising steadily. Afterwards lunch was brought to his room for he had found it impossible to eat in any public place. His face was so well known in the City that he was liable to be interrupted by the many people who sought favors.
After the meal was over his secretary came in to announce a visitor.
“The Reverend Edward Drake would like to see you, sir.”
“Isn’t that the parson who is working in the East End?” Gaunt asked.
“Yes, sir. There is an article by him in to-day’s Times.”
“Bring it to me.”
Gaunt took the paper and rapidly scanned the column and a half.
“It reads all right. Quite straightforward and no whining. Send him in.”