“How do you do,” he said, in a genial tone, extending his hand.
The thin man took it and glanced sharply at Mr. Bigelow—a glance full of curious interest. A change had been taking place in Apples since we last saw him. Evidently the care of his wife and his wife's mother, and the prospect of a visit from the stork at once reducing the family income and materially increasing the outgo, had quieted the effervescence of his youth and set him thinking.
“If you have no objection,” said Le Duc, “I will walk along with you.”
“None whatever,” replied Mr. Bigelow.
They walked together out of the building and followed that part of the crowd which had turned westward.
“Well, sir,” observed, the Chairman, “what can I do for you?”
Le Due answered in a low, even voice—a voice which, if it showed embarrassment and effort, showed also determination.
“You were formerly married, I believe, to a woman who is now known as Mrs. Craig.”
Dwelling, as it had been, on the plaudits, the hearty enthusiasms of the evening, on the written speech reposing in an inside pocket, Mr. Bigelow's mind came to earth with a shock. He stopped abruptly, threw a quick look at the thin man, and then, recalling that the sidewalk was still covered with people, he moved on.
“Have you come here to discuss my private affairs?” he said brusquely.