He breakfasted without interest, unfolded the morning paper, glanced over the headlines, and saw that there was a little more murder, divorce, and boot-licking than he cared for, laid it aside, and lighted a cigarette. As he dropped the burnt match on the tray, he noticed under it another letter which he had overlooked among the bills and advertisements composing the bulk of the morning mail.
For a little while he held the envelope in his hand, not looking at it; then, with careless deliberation, he cut it open, using a paper knife, and drew out the letter. As he slowly opened it his hands shook in spite of him.
"MY DEAR MR. DESBORO: I telephoned Mrs. Quant last night and learned that she had given you my message over the wire only a few minutes before; and that you had sent word you could not come to Silverwood, but that I might communicate with you by letter.
"This is what I had to say to you: There is a suit of armour here which is in a very bad condition. It will be expensive to have it repaired by a good armourer. Did you wish to include it in the sale as it is, or have it repaired? It is No. 41 in the old list; No. 69 in my catalogue, now almost completed and ready for the printer. It is that rather unusual suit of black plate-mail, called 'Brigandine Armour,' a XV century suit from Aragon; and the quilted under-jacket has been ruined by moths and has gone completely to pieces. It is a very valuable suit.
"Very sincerely yours, "JACQUELINE NEVERS."
An hour later he still sat there with the letter in his hand, gazing at nothing. And until the telephone beside him rang twice he had not stirred.
At the reply his face altered subtly, and he bowed his head to listen.
An interval filled with a vague whirring, then:
"Yes, thank you. It came this morning. I was just reading it--again."
"I thought I ought to consult you in such a matter."
"I cannot decide such a matter. It will be very expensive----"
"If it is worth the cost to you, it is worth it to me."
"I don't know what you mean. The burden of decision lies with you this time, doesn't it?"
"With us both. Unless you wish me to assume it."
"If you wish, then. But I may ask your opinion, may I not?"
"Whatever you do I approve. I have no--opinion."