"One of the things I wanted to talk to you about, Bradley, was that old affair of the advance you asked for from the Bank.We did not quite see our way to it then, and, speaking as a business man, it isn't really a matter of business now; but it has lately been put to me in a light that would make the doing of it possible--you understand?The fact of the matter is this: Sir Robert Mainwaring,the father of the young fellow you've got in your house, is one of our directors and largest shareholders, and I can tell you--if you don't suspect it already--you've been lucky, Bradley--deucedly lucky--to have had him in your house and to have rendered him a service.He's the heir to one of the largest landed estates in his country, one of the oldest county families, and will step into the title some day.But, ahem!" he coughed patronizingly, "you knew all that!No?Well, that charming wife of yours, at least, does;for she's been talking about it.Gad, Bradley, it takes those women to find out anything of that kind, eh?"
The light in Bradley's eyes and his pipe went slowly out together.
"Then we'll say that affair of the advance is as good as settled.
It's Sir Robert's wish, you understand, and this young fellow's wish,--and if you'll come down to the Bank next week we'll arrange it for you; I think you'll admit they're doing the handsome to you and yours.And therefore," he lowered his voice confidentially,"you'll see, Bradley, that it will only be the honorable thing in you, you know, to look upon the affair as finished, and, in fact,to do all you can"--he drew his chair closer--"to--to--to drop this other foolishness."
"I don't think I quite understand you!" said Bradley, slowly.
"But your wife does, if you don't," returned Richardson, bluntly;
"I mean this foolish flirtation between Louise Macy and Mainwaring,which is utterly preposterous.Why, man, it can't possibly come to anything, and it couldn't be allowed for a moment.Look at his position and hers.I should think, as a practical man, it would strike you--"
"Only one thing strikes me, Richardson," interrupted Bradley, in a singularly distinct whisper, rising, and moving nearer the speaker;
"it is that you're sitting perilously near the edge of this veranda.For, by the living God, if you don't take yourself out of that chair and out of this house, I won't be answerable for the consequences!"
"Hold on there a minute, will you?" said Mainwaring's voice from the window.
Both men turned towards it.A long leg was protruding from Mainwaring's window; it was quickly followed by the other leg and body of the occupant, and the next moment Mainwaring come towards the two men, with his hands in his pockets.
"Not so loud," he said, looking towards the house.
"Let that man go," said Bradley, in a repressed voice."You and I,Mainwaring, can speak together afterwards."
"That man must stay until he hears what I have got to say," said Mainwaring, stepping between them.He was very white and grave in the moonlight, but very quiet; and he did not take his hands from his pockets."I've listened to what he said because he came here on MY business, which was simply to offer to do you a service.
That was all, Bradley, that I told him to do.This rot about what he expects of you in return is his own impertinence.If you'd punched his head when he began it, it would have been all right.
But since he has begun it, before he goes I think he ought to hear me tell you that I have already OFFERED myself to Miss Macy, and she has REFUSED me!If she had given me the least encouragement, I should have told you before.Further, I want to say that, in spite of that man's insinuations, I firmly believe that no one is aware of the circumstance except Miss Macy and myself."
"I had no idea of intimating that anything had happened that was not highly honorable and creditable to you and the young lady,"began Richardson hurriedly.
"I don't know that it was necessary for you to have any ideas on the subject at all," said Mainwaring, sternly; "nor that, having been shown how you have insulted this gentleman and myself, you need trouble us an instant longer with your company.You need not come back.I will manage my other affairs myself."
"Very well, Mr. Mainwaring--but--you may be sure that I shall certainly take the first opportunity to explain myself to Sir Robert," returned Richardson as, with an attempt at dignity, he strode away.
There was an interval of silence.
"Don't be too hard upon a fellow, Bradley," said Mainwaring as Bradley remained dark and motionless in the shadow."It is a poor return I'm making you for your kindness, but I swear I never thought of anything like--like--this."
"Nor did I," said Bradley, bitterly.
"I know it, and that's what makes it so infernally bad for me.
Forgive me, won't you?Think of me, old fellow, as the wretchedest ass you ever met, but not such a cad as this would make me!"As Mainwaring stepped out from the moonlight towards him with extended hand, Bradley grasped it warmly.
"Thanks--there--thanks, old fellow!And, Bradley--I say--don't say anything to your wife, for I don't think she knows it.And,Bradley--look here--I didn't like to be anything but plain before that fellow; but I don't mind telling YOU, now that it's all over,that I really think Louise--Miss Macy--didn't altogether understand me either."
With another shake of the hand they separated for the night.For a long time after Mainwaring had gone, Bradley remained gazing thoughtfully into the Great Canyon.He thought of the time when he had first come there, full of life and enthusiasm, making an ideal world of his pure and wholesome eyrie on the ledge.What else he thought will, probably, never be known until the misunderstanding of honorable and chivalrous men by a charming and illogical sex shall incite the audacious pen of some more daring romancer.
When he returned to the house, he said kindly to his wife, "I have been thinking to-day about your hotel scheme, and I shall write to Sacramento to-night to accept that capitalist's offer."
