Then Chichester came to call on him, and caught him at home.
It was six o'clock in the evening, and the heavens were opened. Agnes, the Scotch parlor-maid who claimed to have second sight, opened the door to Chichester, who, speaking from beneath a dripping umbrella, inquired for the professor.
"He's in, sir, but he's busy."
"Could you take him my card?"
Agnes took it, much to her own surprise, and carried it to the professor's study.
"A gentleman, sir."
"I told you, Agnes—"
"I couldn't say no to him, sir."
"Why not? Here!" he took the card.
"Why not?" he repeated, when he had read the name.