Part 22 (1/2)
”Every penny you have spent in this mad scheme must be returned to you.
I don't know how, or when, but I will work to earn the money and repay every cent. I will not be in your debt.”
The telephone bell rang. Martha answered it.
”If you are expecting visitors--” Gordon said.
”It is only Mr. Clayton and I want you to see him,” she said.
”Clayton again, eh? How long have you been friends?”
”I met him the same day I met you, at French Lick. He took an interest in me, in a business way, and loaned me the money I needed to come here and study for the stage. Every dollar of that debt has been repaid long since, but he is still a friend, tried and true, and one who would never have been guilty of your treachery of last night.”
Clayton entered jauntily. He seemed somewhat surprised at seeing Gordon.
”Little business council?” he said easily.
”It happens to be something more,” explained Martha. ”I have pointed out to Mr. Gordon that there must be a final settlement between us.”
”Just what I was going to say,” replied Clayton, sitting on the arm of the great chair. ”You see, Gordon, it is absolutely necessary that Miss Farnum--or some one else on her behalf--should return to you every dollar you have spent on her. As for what you actually lost in the starring venture--”
”Oh, I see,” sneered Gordon. ”A change of managers?”
”No,” declared Martha. ”I have had my chance, and I have failed.
To-night the theater will be closed.”
”Well, that's wise, at any rate,” said Gordon. ”So it's merely a change of angels--with you, Clayton, to pay the bills?”
”Hereafter,” said Clayton, calmly, ”it will be my pleasure and my privilege to pay all of Miss Farnum's bills for life. She has promised to be my wife.”
”What?” cried Martha, in surprise.
”Your wife?” demanded Gordon.
”Precisely,” continued Clayton. ”I bid higher than anything you can offer, Gordon. My bid includes a wedding ring.”
Gordon stepped back, looked from Martha to Clayton, and back again to the girl, who stood, confused and embarra.s.sed, with her eyes turned toward the floor. Then the innate refinement and the result of years of breeding a.s.serted itself in Gordon's pale face. He stepped forward seriously to Martha.