Page:The Clue of the Twisted Candle (1916).djvu/194

"Hullo," said T. X. in surprise, "are you trying to get in here?"

"I want to see Mr. Meredith," said the visitor, in the mincing affected tones of one who excused the vulgar source of her prosperity by frequently reiterated claims to having seen better days.

"Your longing shall be gratified," said T. X. gravely.

He unlocked the heavy door, passed through the uncarpeted passage—there are no frills on Government offices—and led the way up the stairs to the suite on the first floor which constituted his bureau.

He switched on all the lights and surveyed his visitor, a comfortable person of the landlady type.

"A good sort," thought T. X., "but somewhat overweighted with lorgnettes and seal-skin."

"You will pardon my coming to see you at this hour of the night," she began deprecatingly, "but as my dear father used to say," 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.' "

"Your dear father being in the garter busi-