Part 29 (1/2)

”It did happen, not long ago. And you can't go very far; one can't be rude to one's guests.”

”Well,” said Kenwardine, smiling, ”it's kind of you to make an excuse for me. On the whole, of course, I like you to be fastidious in your choice of friends, but one should temper severity with sense. I don't want you to get as exacting as Brandon, for example.”

”I'm afraid he was right when he tried to keep Fuller away.”

”Right in thinking my house was unsafe for the lad, and in warning him that you and I were unfit for him to a.s.sociate with?”

Kenwardine studied the girl. She looked distressed, and he thought this significant, but after a moment or two she answered steadily:

”After all, Brandon had some grounds for thinking so. I would much sooner you didn't urge me to ask Jake Fuller.”

”Very well,” said Kenwardine. ”I don't want you to do anything that's repugnant; but, of course, if he comes to see me, I can't send him off.

It isn't a matter of much importance, anyhow.”

He left her, but she was not deceived by his careless tone. She thought he meant to bring Fuller back and did not see how she could prevent this, although she had refused to help. Then she thought about the plans that Brandon had lost at their house in England. They had certainly been stolen, for she could not doubt what he had told her, but it was painful to admit that her father had taken them. She felt dejected and lonely, and while she struggled against the depression Lucille came to say that Jake was waiting below.

”Tell him I am not at home,” Clare replied.

Lucille went away and Clare left the balcony, but a few minutes later, when she thought Jake had gone, she went down the stairs and met him coming up. He stopped with a twinkle of amus.e.m.e.nt.

”I sent word that I was not at home,” she said haughtily.

”You did,” Jake agreed in an apologetic tone. ”It's your privilege, but although I felt rather hurt, I don't see why that should prevent my asking if your father was in.”

Clare's indignation vanished. She liked Jake and was moved by his reproachful look. She determined to try an appeal.

”Mr. Fuller,” she said, ”I would sooner you didn't come to see us. It would be better, in several ways.”

He gave her a curious, intent look, in which she read sympathy. ”I can't pretend I don't understand, and you're very brave. Still, I'm not sure you're quite just, to me among others. I'm a bit of a fool, but I'm not so rash as some people think. Anyhow, if I were, I'd still be safe enough in your house. Sorry, but I can't promise to stop away.”

”It would really be much better,” Clare insisted.

”Would it make things any easier for you?”

”No,” said Clare. ”In a sense, it could make no difference to me.”

”Very well. I intend to call on your father now and then. Of course, you needn't see me unless you like, though since I am coming, your keeping out of the way wouldn't do much good.”

Clare made a gesture of helpless protest. ”Why won't you be warned? Can't you understand? Do you think it is easy for me to try----”

”I don't,” said Jake. ”I know it's very hard. I think you're mistaken about the necessity for interfering; that's all.” Then he paused and resumed in a different tone: ”You see, I imagine that you must feel lonely at times, and that you might need a friend. I dare say you'd find me better than none, and I'd like to know that I'll have an opportunity of being around if I'm wanted.”

He gave her a quiet, respectful glance, and Clare knew she had never liked him so much. He looked trustworthy, and it was a relief to note that there was no hint of anything but sympathy in his eyes and voice. He asked nothing but permission to protect her if there was need. Moreover, since they had been forced to tread on dangerous ground, he had handled the situation with courage. She might require a friend, and his honest sympathy was refres.h.i.+ng by contrast with the att.i.tude of her father's companions. Some were hard and cynical and some were dissipated, but all were stamped by a repugnant greediness. They sought something: money, the gratification of base desires, success in dark intrigue. Jake with his chivalrous generosity stood far apart from them; but he must be saved from becoming like them.

”If I knew how I could keep you away, I would do so, but I can, at least, see you as seldom as possible,” she said and left him.

Jake knitted his brows as he went on to Kenwardine's room. He understood Clare's motive, and admitted that she meant well, but he was not going to stop away because she thought this better for him. There was, however, another matter that demanded his attention and he felt awkward when Kenwardine opened the door.

”It's some time since you have been to see us,” the latter remarked.