AN INTERVIEW

Nigel, filled with curiosity, and rather anxious, arrived punctually to
the moment. He was shown into Percy's chambers by a stout and
prosperous-looking middle-aged clerk, with a gold watch-chain.

He waited there for some minutes, walking slowly up and down the room
and examining it. It was a very dull, serious room, almost depressing.
On the large table lay bulbous important-looking briefs, tied up with
red tape. Framed caricatures of judges and eminent barristers from
_Vanity Fair_ hung round the walls. The furniture was scarce, large and
heavy. On the mantelpiece was a framed photograph with a closed leather
cover. It looked interesting and expensive, and Nigel with his quick
movements had the curiosity to go across the room to open it. It
contained two lovely photographs of Bertha: one in furs and a hat, the
other in evening dress. It irritated Nigel. ... A sound of footsteps
gave him only just time to close it with a spring, and sit down.

Percy came in looking as Nigel had never seen him look before. There had
been an unimportant case in court, but he had been unable to get away
before. He was so orderly as a rule that he detested keeping anybody
waiting. He looked flushed and hurried, and his black smooth hair was
extraordinarily rough and wild. Of course, Nigel remembered, he had just
taken off his wig. There was a red line on his forehead, the mark left
by this ornament. The effect made him look like a different person. He
threw off his coat and spoke seriously and rather formally.

"Sorry, Hillier. Delayed in court. Hope I haven't kept you?"

"It doesn't matter in the least," Nigel answered in his cheery way.

Nigel was looking exceedingly at ease, and happy, though the manner was
really assumed to-day. He was very smartly dressed, with light gloves
and a buttonhole of violets, and looked a gay contrast to Percy, with
his unusually rough hair and solemn expression.

"I was very interested. I don't think I've ever seen a barrister's
chambers before. Jolly rooms you've got here. What a charming place the
Temple is. ... Well! I've been simply dying of curiosity," he went on,
with a pleasant smile.

"Sit down," said Percy. "Have a cigarette?"

Nigel lighted up. Percy did not.

"It's not very pleasant what I want to say to you. It's simply that I
don't want you to come to our house any more."

Nigel looked surprised and coloured slightly.

"And may I ask your reason?"

"I don't see