She was trembling so that he could scarcely control between his two huge fists the little hand that he saluted in wordless gratitude and grief.
Then, without looking at her again, or speaking, he went his way. And she dropped back into her chair, the tears of sheer happiness and excitement flowing unchecked.
But she was permitted no time to collect her thoughts, no solitude for happy tears, and, at the clerk's sharp knocking, she dried her eyes hastily and bade him enter.
The card he laid on her desk seemed to amaze her.
"That man!" she said slowly. "Is he here, Mr. Mirk?"
"Yes, madam. He asks for one minute only, saying that it is a matter of most desperate importance to you——"
"To me?"
"Yes, madam."
Again she looked at Mr. Waudle's card.