We were at the height of our enjoyment, and were all busily engaged, in our several departments, endeavouring to bring the last batch of slices to a state of perfection that should crown the feast, when I was aware of a strange presence in the room, and my eyes encountered those of the staid Littimer, standing hat in hand before me.

“What’s the matter?” I involuntarily asked.

“I beg your pardon, sir, I was directed to come in. Is my master not here, sir?”

“No.”

“Have you not seen him, sir?”

“No; don’t you come from him?”

“Not immediately so, sir.”

“Did he tell you you would find him here?”