He was pale, but self-contained and clear-eyed.
"Forgive an unceremonious visit," he said.

"I'm glad to find you at home.

I meant to arrive here sooner, but I was detained on business of some importance." By this time Bates had closed the door; Theydon explained his presence in the flat by saying that within a few minutes he would have been telephoning again to Old Broad Street.
"Ah! Did you speak to Macdonald ?" said Forbes, dropping into a chair with a curious lassitude of manner which did not escape Theydon.
"Yes.

I have been most anxious to have a word with you--" Forbes broke in with a short laugh.
"You would get nothing out of Macdonald," he said.

"He knows that my visits to the Chinese Embassy are few and far between and generally have to do with--but what is it now?
Why should you be so perturbed when I mention the Chinese Embassy ?" Theydon was literally astounded, and did not strive to hide his agitation.