Synopsis

Soames returned to England the following day, and on the third morning received a visit from Mr. Polteed, who wore a flower and carried a brown billycock hat. Soames motioned him to a seat. "The news from the war is not so bad, is it?" said Mr. Polteed. "I hope I see you well, sir." "Thanks! quite." Mr. Polteed leaned forward, smiled, opened his hand, looked into it, and said softly: "I think we've done your business for you at last."