Page:Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.djvu/118

 After all, the unwelcome alteration in their circumstances was not without its compensations, because it had the effect of renewing and intensifying their love for each other. They remembered with acute regret that hitherto they had not always fully appreciated the happiness of that exclusive companionship of which there now remained but one week more. For once the present was esteemed at its proper value, being invested with some of the glamour which almost always envelops the past.

Meanwhile Owen, in consequence of Hunter's order, had made his way straight to the office.

Rushton and Company's premises were situated in one of the principal streets of Mugsborough and consisted of a double fronted shop which extended to a narrow back street. The front part of the shop was stocked with wall hangings, mouldings, stands showing patterns of embossed wall and ceiling decorations, cases of brushes, tins of varnish and enamel, and similar things.

The office, which was at the rear and separated from the shop by a partition, had two doors, one giving access to the front shop, and the other opening on to the back street near a window on which was painted 'Rushton and Company' in black letters on a white ground.

Owen stood outside this window for two or three seconds. There was a bright light in the office. Then he knocked at the door, which was at once opened by Hunter.

Rushton was seated in an armchair at his desk, smoking a cigar and reading one of several letters that were lying before him.

He was a tall, clumsily built man, about thirty-five years of age. His eyes were light grey, and his hair and moustache were fair. He was not corpulent, but appeared to be well fed and 'in good condition.' He wore a grey Norfolk suit, and his clothes were well made and of good quality.

Rushton glanced up carelessly as Owen came in, but took no further notice of him, and Hunter, after conversing with his master in a low tone, put on his hat and went out of the office through the partition door which led into the front shop.

Owen stood waiting for Rushton to speak. He wondered why Hunter had sneaked off, and felt inclined to open the door and call him back. One thing he was determined about. 106