He had called twice in Soho, and on both occasions had been received by a shabby-looking clerk, who told him that Mr.Medler was out, and not likely to come home within any definite time.

He was inclined to fancy, by the clerk's manner on his second visit, that there was some desire to avoid an interview on Mr.Medler's part; and this fancy made him all the more anxious to see that gentleman.

He did not, therefore, allow much time to elapse between this second visit to the dingy chambers in Soho and a third.

This time he was more fortunate; for he saw the lawyer let himself in at the street-door with his latch-key, just as the cab that drove him approached the house.
The same shabby clerk opened the door to him.
"I want to see your master," he said decisively, making a move towards the office-door.
The clerk contrived to block his way.
"I beg your pardon, sir, I don't think Mr.Medler's in; but I'll go and see." "You needn't give yourself the trouble.

I saw your master let himself in at this door a minute ago.