“It was you, sir, all the time? You held us up? Were you the man who wrenched open the door?”

“I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?”

They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.

“I scarce know, sir, save that I⁠—that I liked you, and⁠—and⁠—”

“I see. ’Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is anything that I can do to show my gratitude?”

Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.