"Yes, I have played at--I have played occasionally." "My wife is giving a small dinner-party this evening," Mr.
Weatherley continued, moving his umbrella from one hand to the other and speaking very rapidly, "bridge afterwards.

We happen to be a man short.

I was to have called at the club to try and pick up some one--find I sha'n't have time--meeting at the Cannon Street Hotel to attend.

Would you--er--fill the vacant place?
Save me the trouble of looking about." It was out at last and Mr.Weatherley felt unaccountably relieved.
He felt at the same time a certain measure of annoyance with his junior clerk for his unaltered composure.
"I shall be very much pleased, sir," he answered, without hesitation.

"About eight, I suppose ?" Again Mr.Weatherley's relief was tempered with a certain amount of annoyance.