“This seems highly irregular,” said Mr. Penfield, settling himself comfortably in the easy-chair and smilingly regarding a small table on which were a decanter and glasses. “I don’t treat my professional visitors in this hospitable fashion. And you don’t even ask what has brought me here.”
“No,” replied Thorndyke, as he filled a couple of glasses; “I accept the gifts of Fortune and ask no questions.”
Mr. Penfield bowed. “You were good enough to say that I might call out of business hours, which is a great convenience, so here I am, with a twofold purpose; first, to seek information from you; and second, to give you certain news of my own. Perhaps I may take them in that order and begin by asking one or two questions?”
“Do so, by all means,” replied Thorndyke.
“I have heard,” pursued Mr
