"I cannot tell you yet.

We are awaiting advices from London." "But when will you receive them ?" inquired several, at once.
"It may be to-morrow.

It may not be for several days." "But can one see Mr.Turner ?" inquired one, more daring than the rest.
"He is engaged." Colville caught the eye of the clerk, and by a gesture made it known that he must be allowed to pass on into the inner room.

Once more his air of the great world, his good clothes, his flower in the buttonhole, gave him the advantage over others; and the clerk got down from his stool.
"Mrs.St.Pierre Lawrence is with him, I know," whispered Colville.

"I come by appointment to meet her here." He was shown in without further trouble, and found Mrs.St.Pierre Lawrence sitting, white-faced and voluble, in the visitors' chair.
John Turner had his usual air of dense placidity, but the narrow black tie he always tied in a bow was inclined slightly to one side; his hair was ruffled, and, although the weather was not warm, his face wore a shiny look.