'I thought you had met,' our host observed.
'No,' said Mr. Slinkton. 'I did look in at Mr. Sampson's office,
on your recommendation; but I really did not feel justified in
troubling Mr. Sampson himself, on a point in the everyday, routine
of an ordinary clerk.'
I said I should have been glad to show him any attention on our
friend's introduction.
'I am sure of that,' said he, 'and am much obliged. At another
time, perhaps, I may be less delicate. Only, however, if I have
real business; for I know, Mr. Sampson, how precious business time
is, and what a vast number of impertinent people there are in the
world.'
I acknowledged his consideration with a slight bow. 'You were
thinking,' said I, 'of effecting a policy on your life.'
'O dear no! I am afraid I am not so prudent as you pay me the
compliment of supposing me to be, Mr. Sampson. I merely inquired
for a friend. But you know what friends are in such matters.
Nothing may ever come of it. I have the greatest reluctance to
trouble men of business with inquiries for friends, knowing the
probabilities to be a thousand to one that the friends will never
follow them up.
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