Part 3 (2/2)
Again the shrug. ”I shall have tried. I can tell Saint Peter that.”
”I didn't refer to Saint Peter. I meant you yourself. Where is your own justification except in the attainment of the end?”
”Justification!” Roberts leaned suddenly forward, his att.i.tude no longer that of an observer but of a partic.i.p.ant, one in the front of the charge.
”The game is its own justification, man! Things don't have to be done with two hundred bright young students watching and listening to be worth while, my friend.”
Armstrong s.h.i.+fted uncomfortably, then he tacked.
”Just one more question, a repet.i.tion again of your own. Have you the attainment of this object you suggest definitely in sight? You're older than I and have been playing the game some time yourself.”
”I think so.”
”Do you know so?”
”As nearly as a man can know anything that hasn't come to pa.s.s.”
”Just how, Darley? I'm absolutely in the dark in regard to your deals and I'm curious to know the inside. You've got something particular in mind, I know, or you wouldn't speak that way.”
For the first time in minutes Roberts looked at the other, looked steadily, blankly.
”I'm sorry genuinely, Armstrong, but I can't tell you now. Don't misunderstand, please. I'd tell you if I were not under obligation; but I'm not at liberty yet to say.” His glance left the other's face. ”I trust you understand.”
”Yes, certainly.” The voice was short. ”No offence, I'm sure.”
That there was offence was obvious, yet Roberts made no further comment or explanation.
For perhaps a minute there was silence; in characteristic change of thought absolute Armstrong s.h.i.+fted.
”As long as we're in the confidant business,” he digressed, ”there's still one question I'd like to ask, Darley. Elice and I have been intimate now for a number of years. I've asked you repeatedly to call with me and you've always refused. Even yet you've barely met her. I quote you by the yard when I'm with her, and, frankly, she's--curious why you stay at arm's length. Between yourself and myself why is it, Darley?”
Roberts laughed; an instant later the light left his face.
”You know I have few women acquaintances,” he said.
”I know, but this particular case is different.”
”And those I do have,” completed the other, ”are all securely married.”
Armstrong colored.
”I don't mean that,” smiled Roberts, ”and you know I don't. I'm not fool enough to fancy I'm a charmer. The explanation, I believe, is in my ancestry. I think they must have been fishes too, and instinct warns me to avoid bait. It's my own peace of mind I'm considering and preserving, friend Armstrong.”
”Peace of mind!” the other laughed. ”From you that's good, Darley. But the tape line--”
”Can't you find it?”
”I confess--You think there is a time then, after all, when it pays?”
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