But while pretending to examine it I watched my man going forward to meet a tall visitor, who said, "I thought you would be disengaged so early.

It's only a word or two"-- and after a whispered confabulation of no more than a minute, reconduct him to the door and shake hands ceremoniously.

"Not at all, not at all.

Very pleased to be of use.

You can depend absolutely on my information"-- "Oh thank you, thank you.