Oh yes!--I'm connected--intimately--with that famous firm, Mr.Brereton!" There was an assurance about Mr.Pett, a cocksureness of demeanour, a cheerful confidence in himself, which made Brereton long to kick him; but he restrained his feelings and said coldly that he supposed Mr.Pett wished to speak to Mr.Bent and himself on business.
"Not on my own business, sir," replied Pett, laying his queer-looking white fingers on his brief bag.

"On the business of my esteemed feminine relative, Miss Pett.

I am informed, Mr.Brereton--no offence, sir, oh, none whatever!--that you put some--no doubt necessary--questions to Miss Pett at the court this morning which had the effect of prejudicing her in the eyes--or shall we say ears ?--of those who were present.

Miss Pett accordingly desires that I, as her legal representative, should lose no time in putting before you the true state of the case as regards her relations with Kitely, deceased, and I accordingly, sir, in the presence of our friend, the superintendent, whom I have already spoken to outside, desire to tell you what the truth is.

Informally, you understand, Mr.Brereton, informally!" "Just as you please," answered Brereton.