It seemed to Hillyard that they would get for him immediately any one else in the world whom he chose to name.

It was just bitterly disappointing and contrarious that the one person he wished to see was a Commodore Graham.

Oh, couldn't he be reasonable and ask for somebody else?
"Very well," said Hillyard with a smile.

"There was a pretty girl with grey eyes, and I'll see her." "The description is vague," said the young lady demurely.
"She is Miss Cheyne." "Oh!" said one.
"Oh!" said another; and "Will you follow me, please ?" said a third, who at once became business-like and brisk, and led him up the stairs.

The door was still unvarnished.