to become public and joint-stock?'

'Not at all, Mr. Hugo. I am incapable of such a hint. I am sure that
nothing and nobody could force you against your will. I was only
mentioning the case of the Coal Company. I could mention others.'

'Don't trouble, my dear sir. Convey my decision to Louis Ravengar, and
give him my compliments. We are old acquaintances.'

'You are?' The solicitor seemed astonished in his imperturbable way.

'We are.'

'I will convey your decision to my clients.'

Accepting a cigar, Mr. Polycarp departed.

Without giving himself time to think, Hugo went straight to Department
42, and direct to the artist in hats. She stood pale and deferential to
receive him. The heat was worse than ever.

'Your name is Payne, I think?' he began. (He well knew her name was
Payne.)

'Yes, sir.'

Other employés in the trying-on room looked furtively round.

'About half-past eleven an old gentleman, with white moustache, came
into this room, Miss Payne. You remember?'