But when he saw him, the intervening months were as nothing.

Lean, spare, pallid, with baggy eyes, and the nose of a drinker, Smith had not changed.
"How do, Lane.

So you're back?
Welcome to our city," he said, extending a nerveless hand that felt to Lane like a dead fish.
"Hello, Mr.Smith.Yes, I'm back," returned Lane, taking the chair Smith indicated.

And then he met the inevitable questions as best he could in order not to appear curt or uncivil.
"I'd like to see Mr.Manton to ask for my old job," interposed Lane, presently.
"He's busy now, Lane, but maybe he'll see you.

I'll find out." Smith got up and went out.