They were not masked, and their faces, which were
strange to Harleston, were the faces of men of breeding, accustomed to
affairs.
"You startled us, Mr. Harleston," the elder replied; "and you blinded us
momentarily by the rush of light."
"It was thoughtless of me," Harleston returned. He waved his hand toward
the chairs. "Won't you be seated, messieurs--and pardon my not arising;
I'm hardly in receiving costume. May I ask whom I am entertaining."
"Certainly, sir," the elder smiled. "This is Mr. Sparrow; I am Mr.
Marston. We would not have you put yourself to the inconvenience, not to
mention the hazard from drafts. You're much more comfortable in bed--and
we can transact our business with you quite as well so; moreover if you
will give us your word to lie quiet and not call or shoot, we shall not
offer you the slightest violence."
"I'll do anything," Harleston smiled, "to be relieved of looking down
those unattractive muzzles. Ah! thank you!--The chairs, gentlemen!" with
a fine gesture of welcome.
"We haven't time to sit down, thank you," said Sparrow. "Time presses
and we must away as quickly as possible. We shall, we sincerely hope,
inconvenience you but a moment, Mr. Harleston."
"Pray take all the time you need," Harleston responded.
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