— VI —MR. LUDLOW REQUIRES
SOME INFORMATION
Mr. Theodore Ludlow spoke first, Mr. Smithers waiting almost ostentatiously for him to do so. But he only got as far as two words – half a question.
“Are you—?”
“Francis Smithers. – Don’t you recognise me?”
“I do not.”
“No? And yet you look at me as if we had met before. Have we?”
“Never.”
“Then allow me to introduce myself. You, I believe, are Mr. Ludlow, of the Strand branch of the National Bank?”
“I am.”
“Pray take a seat.”
“Thank you; I prefer to stand.”
“Allow me to offer you a cigar.”
“I don’t smoke.”
“A little whiskey?”
“I never drink intoxicating liquors.”
“Then what may I offer you?”
“Thank you; nothing. I am here on business, though informally.” Hitherto he had remained standing by the door where he had entered. Now, com
