Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1896 [PAGE 81]

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^^^^^ plumped down an envelope in silence James had been in Henford's otlice before Hereford, and knew when to hold his peace. There were other things which J a m e s knew about running the otlice, and, though he did not mention them, Hereford saw t h r m in bis forbearing smile, and did not altogether enjo> J a m e s . At the lUmmODS of t h e envelope he swung round irritably in his chair. "Well, what is it'/" u One o' them lad it's with an introduction, sir." I can't see anv o n e ; tell her to come again." "All right, sir," said James, miking tor the door, '' 1 told her I presumed vou couldn't see anv one 11 Wait." called Hereford, glancing at the envelope. "This is from Benbam; I've ^ot to see her." '• All right, sir," said .lames again, and the otlice door closed behind him. I'm quicker at firing people than you are," Spoke up ( harnley, the only l man in the room who had been disturbed by the interruption. ' If it's nothing special let me go in your name. She'll never know the difference." Hereford had finished the letter. There was a twinkle in his eve as he dropped his half-burnt cigar. "I'll go in my own name," he answered, " and you'll see me back early." '* Mr. Hereford is sorry," he said, as lie bowed encouragingly to Miss Conrad, the bearer of the introduction; " but he is so very busy just now that he could not give you more than an instant. He is anxious to see you, though, and sent me to see if I couldn't make an appointment." When Hereford began speaking for himself he had no idea of making appointments, hut there was something about Miss Conrad for which James had not prepared him. " Couldn't you come in Tuesday ?" he finished. " That's not such a busy da v." " I'm afraid I could come almost any day," said Miss Conrad, frankly. " Mr. Henham has made me very anxious to see Mr. Hereford. I wonder if it would trouble him too much if I left this manuscript for him?" " By all means leave it," cried Hereford. " I'll be glad—I'll be glad to give it to him." " It is very kind of you," said Miss Conrad, and the look that went with the manuscript showed that she really thought him kind. " I'M come in Tuesday, then. Good morning." "Well done," said Charnley, when Hereford reappeared. "How'd you work it?"

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