As she emerged from the elevator she was surprised to see Moffatt in the vestibule.  His presence was an irritating reminder of her failure, and she walked past him with a rapid bow; but he overtook her.

“Mrs. Marvell—­I’ve been waiting to say a word to you.”

If it had been any one else she would have passed on; but Moffatt’s voice had always a detaining power.  Even now that she knew him to be defeated and negligible, the power asserted itself, and she paused to say:  “I’m afraid I can’t stop—­I’m late for an engagement.”

“I shan’t make you much later; but if you’d rather have me call round at your house—­”

“Oh, I’m so seldom in.”  She turned a wondering look on him.  “What is it you wanted to say?”

“Just two words.  I’ve got an office in this building and the shortest way would be to come up there for a minute.”  As her look grew distant he added:  “I think what I’ve got to say is worth the trip.”

His face was serious, without underlying irony:  the face he wore when he wanted to be trusted.

“Very well,” she said, turning back.

Undine, glancing at her watch as she came out of Moffatt’s office, saw that he had been true to his promise of not keeping her more than ten minutes.  The fact was characteristic.  Under all his incalculableness there had always been a hard foundation of reliability:  it seemed to be a matter of choice with him whether he let one feel that solid bottom or not.  And in specific matters the same quality showed itself in an accuracy of statement, a precision of conduct, that contrasted curiously with his usual hyperbolic banter and his loose lounging manner.  No one could be more elusive yet no one could be firmer to the touch.  Her face had cleared and she moved more lightly as she left the building.  Moffatt’s communication had not been completely clear to her, but she understood the outline of the plan he had laid before her, and was satisfied with the bargain they had struck.  He had begun by reminding her of her promise to introduce him to any friend of hers who might be useful in the way of business.  Over three years had passed since they had made the pact, and Moffatt had kept loyally to his side of it.  With the lapse of time the whole matter had become less important to her, but she wanted to prove her good faith, and when he reminded her of her promise she at once admitted it.

“Well, then—­I want you to introduce me to your husband.”

Undine was surprised; but beneath her surprise she felt a quick sense of relief.  Ralph was easier to manage than so many of her friends—­and it was a mark of his present indifference to acquiesce in anything she suggested.

“My husband?  Why, what can he do for you?”