The lawyer accompanied this statement with a pat, but this time he did not succeed in concealing his concern.
“That depends on one's point of view,” Hodder returned, with a smile. “I do not know how you have come to suspect that I am going to disturb Mr. Parr, but what I have to say to him is between him and me.”
Langmaid took up his hat from the table, and sighed.
“Drop in on me sometime,” he said, “I'd like to talk to you—Hodder heard a voice behind him, and turned. A servant was standing there.
“Mr. Parr is ready to see you, sir,” he said.
The rector followed him up the stairs, to the room on the second floor, half office, half study, where the capitalist transacted his business when at home.
III
Eldon Parr was huddled over his desk reading a typewritten document; but he rose, and held out his hand, which Hodder took.
“How are you, Mr. Hodder? I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but matters of some legal importance have arisen on which I was obliged to make a decision. You're well, I hope.” He shot a glance at the rector, and sat down again, still holding the sheets. “If you will excuse me a moment longer, I'll finish this.”
“Certainly,” Hodder replied.