Mr.Jarvis leaned against an old desk belonging to one of the porters.
"You are very late, Chetwode," he remarked.
"I am sorry, but I was detained," Arnold answered.

"I will explain it to Mr.Weatherley directly I go in." Mr.Jarvis coughed.
"Of course," he said, "as you went out with Mrs.Weatherley I suppose it's none of my business as to your hours, but you must know that to come back from lunch at half-past three is most irregular, especially as you are practically junior in the place." "I quite agree with you," Arnold assented, "but, you see, I really couldn't help myself to-day.

I don't suppose it is likely to happen again.

Is that all that you wanted to speak to me about ?" "Not altogether," Mr.Jarvis admitted.

"To tell you the truth," he went on, confidentially, "I wanted to ask you a question or two." "Well, look sharp, then," Arnold said, good-humoredly.