"Are you Mr. John Fildew?" asked the little stranger, taking in the whole of John's shabby toggery at a glance.
"I am--unfortunately. I often think it would be a good thing if I could be somebody else."
"My name is Perkins. I have called respecting a certain letter addressed by you to Messrs. Flicker & Tapp. Our senior partner would like to know--"
"Pardon me," interrupted Fildew, blandly, "but if I have not the pleasure of addressing either Mr. Flicker or Mr. Tapp, we need not proceed further with the matter."
"Why, sir--how, sir--I don't understand you!" spluttered Mr. Perkins, becoming as red as a turkey-cock.
"I am sorry for that. I will put my meaning as plainly as possible. I never transact business except with principals."
"But I tell you, sir, I have been sent here specially to--to--"
"I am sorry that you should have your trouble for nothing, but unless Mr. Flicker or Mr. Tapp choose to come and consult me in person the matter must end here. And, really, I shall not be sorry for it to do so."
"Mr. Flicker or Mr. Tapp come to a place like this!"
"Why not, my dear Mr. Perkins? If the place is good enough for me, surely it is good enough for them."