Ryder lifted the receiver of his telephone and talked to his secretary in another room, while Shirley, who was still standing, continued examining the papers and letters.
"Is that you, Bagley?
What's that?
General Dodge?
Get rid of him.
I can't see him to-day.

Tell him to come to-morrow.

What's that?
My son wants to see me?
Tell him to come to the phone." At that instant Shirley gave a little cry, which in vain she tried to suppress.

Ryder looked up.
"What's the matter ?" he demanded startled.
"Nothing--nothing!" she replied in a hoarse whisper.

"I pricked myself with a pin.