According to Jim Hegan's prediction, it was not long before Montague
received an offer. It came from a firm of lawyers of whom he had
never heard. "We understand," ran the letter, "that you have a block
of five thousand shares of the stock of the Northern Mississippi
Railroad. We have a client on whose behalf we are authorised to
offer you fifty thousand dollars cash for these shares. Will you
kindly consult with your client, and advise us at your earliest
convenience?"

He called up Lucy on the 'phone and told her that the offer had
come.

"How much?" she asked eagerly.

"It is not satisfactory," he said. "But I would rather not discuss
the matter over the 'phone. How can I arrange to see you?"

"Can't you send me up the letter by a messenger?" she asked.

"I could," said Montague, "but I would like to talk with you about
it; and also I have that mortgage, and the other papers for you to
sign. There are some things to be explained about these, also.
Couldn't you come to my office this morning?"

"I would, Allan," she said, "but I have just made a most important
engagement, and I don't know what to do about it."

"Couldn't it be postponed?" he asked.