“Sit down a moment, Miss Gale,” he said at last; “I wanted to consult you about a matter—about a business matter.”
Miss Gale seated herself, and automatically placed on her knee the shorthand writing-pad ready to take down his instructions. She looked up at him expectantly. Denham, in an embarrassed manner, ran his fingers through his hair.
“I am thinking,” he began, “of taking a partner. The business is very prosperous now. In fact, it has been so for some time.”
“Yes?” said Miss Gale interrogatively.
“Yes. I think I should have a partner. It is about that I wanted to speak to you.”
“Don’t you think it would be better to consult with Mr. Rogers? He knows more about business than I. But perhaps it is Mr. Rogers who is to be the partner?”
“No, it is not Rogers. Rogers is a good man. But—it is not Rogers.”
“Then I think in an important matter like this Mr. Rogers, or someone who knows the business as thoroughly as he does, would be able to give you advice that would be of some value.”
“I don’t want advice exactly. I have made up my mind to have a partner, if the partner is willing.”
Denham mopped his brow. It was going to be even more difficult than he had anticipated.