She was so deeply engrossed in her work that she failed to hear the knock on her door or see the little office junior peer cautiously round the door and tiptoe up to her desk. ‘Miss Carmichael. Please, Miss Carmichael.’ Shona’s face was flushed with excitement. She had to get Katriona’s attention somehow. Determinedly she raised her voice and shouted, ‘Katriona!’ Katriona looked up, 'Yes, Shona, what is it? Sorry I didn’t see you there.’ Looking somewhat embarrassed, Shona blurted out, ‘It’s that man again, asking for you. Won’t you please see him? He’s awfully nice, really he is ... and he says he has to see you most urgently. I know you’re very busy, but it would only take a few minutes.’ Anger flashed in Katriona’s blue eyes. ‘Now, Shona, I told you yesterday, and again this morning, that I don’t want to see him. That’s final. This is my last day at work before I go on holiday, and I have simply masses of stuff to get through for Mr Drummond.
