"Can I see Mr. Kedge?"
"Not in," said one of the clerks, without looking up.
"Mr. Reck, then?"
"Not in."
"When will either of them be in?" continued the barrister; thinking that
if he were Messrs. Kedge and Reck the clerk would get his discharge for
incivility.
"Can't say. What's your business?"
"My business is with them: not with you."
"You can see the managing clerk."
"I wish to see one of the partners."
"Could you give your name?" continued the gentleman, equably.
Mr. Carr handed in his card. The clerk glanced at it, and surreptitiously
showed it to his companion; and both of them looked up at him. Mr. Carr
of the Temple was known by reputation, and they condescended to become
civil.
"Take a seat for a moment, sir," said the one. "I'll inquire how long Mr.
Kedge will be; but Mr. Reek's not in town to-day."
A few minutes, and Thomas Carr found himself in a small square room with
the head of the firm, a youngish man and somewhat of a dandy, especially
genial in manner, as though in contrast to his clerk. He welcomed the
rising barrister.
"There's as much difficulty in getting to see you as if you were Pope of
Rome," cried Mr. Carr, good humouredly.
The lawyer laughed. "Hopkins did not know you: and strangers are
generally introduced to Mr. Reck, or to our managing clerk. What can
I do for you, Mr. Carr?"
"I don't know that you can do anything for me," said Mr.
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