“I did not mention it before, but I was staying in the same hotel.”
“I don’t remember you.”
“I kept out of your way. I was naturally unwilling to intrude at such a time.”
He buried his face in his hands, and something between a groan and a sigh escaped him. It was evident that the memory of his bereavement was inexpressibly poignant.
“I am glad you knew him, if only by sight. Did you ever speak to him?”
“A few words in the hotel smoking-room, that is all. He was a splendid looking fellow.”
“He was. It has broken his mother’s heart. It was strange that you should have been there.”
“I did not even know his name, till——” I paused.
He uncovered a haggard face.
“Well, it is over; the past cannot be recalled. Would you care to come into my firm?”