Hence my rather unceremonious appearance, which I hope you will forgive." "Not at all," was the hearty response.

"I'm delighted to hear that you sent him off; he wanted a holiday, poor man.

And I am delighted to make your acquaintance, too." "It is very good of you," I said; whereupon he bowed as gracefully as a man may who is propped up in bed with a heap of pillows; and having thus exchanged broadsides of civility, so to speak, we--or, at least, I--proceeded to business.
"How long have you been laid up ?" I asked cautiously, not wishing to make too evident the fact that my principal had given me no information respecting his case.
"A week to-day," he replied.

"The _fons et origo mali_ was a hansom-cab which upset me opposite the Law Courts--sent me sprawling in the middle of the road.

My own fault, of course--at least, the cabby said so, and I suppose he knew.