Just as I finished my narrative, and before he had time to comment on
it, there came a violent knocking at the door.
"Mr. Stephen," said a voice, "are you there, Mr. Stephen?"
"By Jove! that's Briggs," exclaimed the young man. "Briggs is my
father's manager. Shut up the case, Mr. Quatermain. Come in, Briggs,"
he went on, unlocking the door slowly. "What is it?"
"It is a good deal," replied a thin and agitated person who thrust
himself through the opening door. "Your father, I mean Sir Alexander,
has come to the office unexpectedly and is in a nice taking because he
didn't find you there, sir. When he discovered that you had gone to
the orchid sale he grew furious, sir, furious, and sent me to fetch
you."
"Did he?" replied Mr. Somers in an easy and unruffled tone. "Well,
tell Sir Alexander I am coming at once. Now please go, Briggs, and
tell him I am coming at once."
Briggs departed not too willingly.
"I must leave you, Mr. Quatermain," said Mr. Somers as he shut the
door behind him. "But will you promise me not to show that flower to
anyone until I return? I'll be back within half an hour.
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