John Henry's startled surprise in his stride. There was a suggestion of a glint in dark eyes within the shadow of the hood.
'Is he expecting you?' asked John Henry, recovering himself adroitly, and doing his best to match the style of the man.
'Yes, but not necessarily at this time,' said the stranger. 'I have only just arrived in London, you see.' He threw back his hood, revealing an attractive, irregular countenance, fine-browed and mobile if unfashionably clean- shaven; his hair was dark and waved enough to make up for his lack of mutton-chop whiskers or moustache. Although he was somewhat less than average height, he had a presence that was commanding no matter how amiable his demeanour; it originated in his dark, compelling eyes.
'Mr Lamkin has left for the day,' said John Henry, glancing towards the door of the office of the man who handled the firm's overseas business. 'He will not be back until Thursday next. He is bound for Southampton, to inspect the arrival of a cargo of muslin.'
'From Egypt or America?' asked the foreigner with enough curiosity to require an answer.
'From Amer' John Henry began only to be interrupted.
Mr Tubbs, the senior clerk, intervened, shoving himself off his stool and hastening towards the newcomer, prepared to take charge of the unknown gentleman. 'I am Parvis Tubbs, the senior clerk; good afternoon. May I, possibly, assist you, Mr ?' He waited for the stranger to give his name.
'Ragoczy,' he answered. 'Count Ferenc Ragoczy, of Sain'
John Henry cut him short with enthusiasm. 'Ragoczy! Of almost everywhere.' His eyes lit and he flung out one hand. 'I've been copying your accounts, sir, and let me say you are by far the most travelled gentleman of all those buying from us abroad. You have holdings in Bavaria, in Saint Petersburg, in Christiania, in Holland, in Italy, in Prague, in'
Mr Tubbs stopped this catalogue. 'I am certain Mr Ragoczy does not wish his affairs bruited about, John Henry.'
The youngest clerk lowered his eyes and stifled himself. 'No, Mr Tubbs,' he said.
Ragoczy took pity on him. 'It is good to know that at least one of your staff has my interests in hand.' His smile was quick and one-sided, and held John Henry's attention as Ragoczy turned towards him, encouraging him. 'Where else do I have property: can you tell me?'
Now John Henry faltered, upset by Mr Tubbs's covert glare. 'In in Hungary.' He steadied himself and went on. 'There are two addresses in Hungary, now I think of it; one in Buda and one in a remote area of the eastern sector. In the Carpathians. That place is in Hungary, isn't it?'
'Technically, yes, at present it is,' he replied, and glanced up as the office clock struck the half hour. 'Although it is closer to Bucharest than to Buda-Pest. Saint-Germain is on the current border of Hungary and Romania, but that has not always been the case. It is a very ancient estate.' Ragoczy fell silent.
After an awkward pause, Mr Tubbs said, 'Is that all you can tell Mr Ragoczy, John Henry? You are the one who has his ledger to copy. Show him you are not a laggard.'
Stung by this reprimand, John Henry squared his angular shoulders and continued. 'You have holdings, Count, in Moscow, in Egypt, in Crete, in Persia, in Morocco, in Spain, in Poland, in Armenia, in Canada, and in South America: Peru, as I recall.'
'Yes, and in Mexico, as well.' He nodded his approval.
'You also have transferred goods to China and India, according to our records, during the last thirty years. I have not seen any entries before that time. The ledger begins thirty-one years ago.' This last was John Henry's most determined bid to show his grasp of what he had recorded.
'You keep excellent records,' Ragoczy said.
'It is necessary for merchants to do that, or they will not last long in business,' said Mr Tubbs officiously.
They had the attention of the other four clerks now, and John Henry made the most of it. 'If you would like to inspect the account books, Count, it would be my pleasure to show them to you.'
Mr Tubbs looked askance. 'John Henry!' he admonished the youngest clerk. 'That is for Mr Lamkin to do.'
'Well, but he is away, isn't he?' countered John Henry with a show of deference. 'I have the records on my desk. I've been copying them for Mr Lamkin, at his request, of course. So long as Count Ragoczy is here, it would be practical to show him what our records show instead of requiring him to return when Mr Lamkin gets back.'
'It is a late hour; Mr Ragoczy would have to come back in the morning, in any case, or at another, more suitable time.' Mr Tubbs regarded the youngest clerk in consternation, then turned on Ragoczy with an obsequious gesture. 'It is unfortunate that you came at this hour. We do not wish to offend, but we will be closing business for the day shortly.'
John Henry's expression brightened. 'I don't mind staying late if that will make matters easier for you, Count.' He made a point of emphasizing Ragoczy's title, as much for his own satisfaction as for the discomfort it gave Mr Tubbs. 'If that would be convenient?'
'A very generous offer, I'm sure, John Henry,' said Mr Tubbs, his jowls becoming mottled with colour and his manner more stiff and overbearing. 'But such a man as Mr Ragoczy must have other claims upon his time. He will inform us of when he wishes to review the accounts.'
Ragoczy favoured the two clerks with an affable look. 'I have no plans for this evening until much later. I am bidden to dine at ten.'
'Then it's settled,' said John Henry before Mr Tubbs could speak. He indicated his desk. 'Yours is the oldest of the account books there.' His gaze was speculative. 'Your family must have a long tradition of enterprise.'
'Um,' said Ragoczy, a suggestion of amusement in his fathomless eyes.
Mr Tubbs, aware that he had been outmanoeuvred by his most junior clerk, began to dither. 'It is not acceptable, John Henry. You have not worked here long enough to be entitled to lock the door.' He cringed as he looked towards Ragoczy. 'I am afraid that we will have to arrange another time, Mr Ragoczy.'
