Stevens reentered with fresh tea, and as Jimmy sipped it he felt a pleasurable curiosity.

“You’ve given her the paper and all that, I hope, Stevens,” he said.

“I supplied her with the Morning Post and Punch , sir.”

A ring at the bell took him away. In a few minutes he returned.

“Another young lady, sir.”

“What?”

Jimmy clutched his head.

“Another young lady; she declines to give her name, sir, but says her business is important.”