It would be wonderfully interesting to get at the inner
point of view of New Court.
A little later, in Colin Semple's office, he sat down to
await the coming of that gentleman. "Then he doesn't get
here so early nowadays?" he suggested to the head-clerk who,
with instant recognition and exaggerated deference,
had ushered him into this furthermost private room.
It pleased him to assume that prosperity had relaxed the
Scotchman's vigilance.
"Oh yes, sir," the clerk replied. "A bit earlier if anything,
as a rule. But I think he is stopping at his solicitors
on his way to the City. I hope you are very well, sir."
"Yes--I'm very fit--thanks," Thorpe said, listlessly,
and the other left him.
Mr. Semple, when at last he arrived, bustled into
the room with unaffected gratification at the news
he had heard without. "Well, well, Thorpe man!"
he cried, and shook hands cordially. "This is fine!
If I'd only known you were in town! Why wouldn't you
have told me you were coming? I'd never have kept you waiting."
Thorpe laughed wearily. "I hardly knew I was in town myself.
I only ran up last night. I thought it would amuse me
to have a look round--but things seem as dull as ditchwater."
"Oh no," said Semple, "the autumn is opening verra
well indeed. There are more new companies, and a better
public subscription all round, than for any first
week of October I remember.
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