"Five o'clock already! Tell Elkish to be here by half-past five."
The servant bowed; as he was leaving the room, his master called after him:
"Is my son at home?"
"No, Herr Geheimrat."
"And my daughter?"
"She and Mlle. Tallieu drove to Professor Jedlitzka's for her music lesson."
"Hm! Very well! Be sure to give my message to Mr. Elkish, Francis."
At this moment an elderly lady of distinguished appearance entered the room.
"Do I disturb you, Joe?"
He dismissed the servant with a nod.