The liftman smiled respectfully.
"It's a good tip, sir," he observed. "I 'ad it straight from the stable."
Reggie looked at him with admiration.
"Did you really, Smith?" he said. "How clever of you! The only things I've ever had from a stable have been bills."
"Ah, well, sir," said the liftman indulgently, "you can afford to pay 'em."
Reggie shook his head.
"That's just where you're wrong, Smith; I can afford not to—which is much more important."
The lift stopped at the third landing, and Mr. Smith flung back the trellised iron gate. Then he stepped out after Reggie, and, crossing to the door exactly opposite, pressed the electric bell.
"Thank you, Smith," said Reggie languidly; "you are very efficient."
The bell was answered by a middle-aged, clean-shaven man with a face like a tired mask.