Mr. Benjamin Holden.

What awaited me in the lounge, was a roundish man, with an equally roundish head. He was gazing studiously into the low fire. From the way he stood, he had the air of someone of significance. Or at least, the attempts of one such a person. Howard was also there, standing at attention, who cleared his throat when he saw me. "Welcome back, Mr. McKay. Mr. Benjamin Holden here has been patiently awaiting to see you."

"Indeed I have!" he said, sharpish, with one finger jabbed straight upwards. Turning around, I could see the faint sweat dripping off his short hair. His small eyes narrowed at me, before going wide again, as the corners of his large cheeks came upturned in the most insincere smile I had ever the displeasure to see. "But that is of no consequence anymore. You are here now, and we may converse."

"Quite," I replied. Slowly, I made my way over to one of my chairs, but I did not sit. "And may I ask, of what nature, is the topic, that you wish to have a conversation about?"

His eyes narrowed again for but a moment, clearly unpleased that I had not given him leave to sit as well. "Frankly, it is about your task. Madsin's growth and future. You see, I have an appointment with Mr. Gottlieb soon concerning our future immigrants, and I was hoping that you would be able to join us in that conversation, and that I could count on your support."

This time, my eyes were the ones narrowed. "That would depend, of course, on what your cause is, Mr. Holden."