Page:Dangerous Business (1927).pdf/266

 "I'm back," he said. "Is there anything particularly for my attention to-day?"

Ellen was alone, except for the girl who assisted her. Mr. Armiston and Jay both were out and either might, or might not, return to the office. They were working on Howarth.

They had endeavored, earlier, to get in touch with Lew but had been put off, she knew; and she knew very well that neither expected anything of him. Moreover, it was plain, at Lew's immediate, careful inquiry for herself, that this was a personal call with personal implications.

"We've several things that have been waiting for you," Ellen replied, not consciously preparing what she said.

"Do you want to bring them over to me to-day?"

"Yes," said Ellen.

"I am not at my office. I didn't go to the office. You remember my home address?"

"Yes."

"Will you bring those matters to me here?"

Ellen could not quickly reply; she had to gather herself. "At once," she said; then she did not permit herself to delay to think. She bundled into an envelope several papers for him, scarcely selecting them. He was in no hurry for these, she knew. She put on her hat and coat and went down to the street.

There was wind and it was colder; in the west, and especially in the northwest, it was much colder. "Men on the Mast Freezing," proclaimed the black newsheads of the papers. Ellen bought one and, forgetting Lew, she stepped into a vestibule to spread and read it. Cold had