The professor and Mr.Bomford drew their chairs a little closer.

The professor cleared his throat.
"Mr.Burton," he began, "Mr.Bomford and I have a proposition to lay before you.

May I beg for your undivided attention ?" Burton withdrew his eyes from the French window through which Edith had vanished.
"I am quite at your service," he answered quietly.

"Please let me hear exactly what it is that you have to say.".