Volume Ii Part 27 (2/2)
”Nor are you aware that the claim we have so long relied on is almost certain to be disallowed. I have scarcely a hope now remaining with regard to it.”
”I have more than I need; and if Fred will let me have a bungalow in his garden, I'll make it all over to him tomorrow.”
”It is then with your entire consent he would make this offer?”
”With my whole heart in it! I shall never feel I have repaired the injury I have done George Barrington till I have called his daughter my own.”
Old Barrington arose, and walked up and down with slow and measured steps. At last he halted directly in front of General Conyers, and said,--
”If you will do me one kindness, I will agree to everything. What am I saying? I agree already; and I would not make a bargain of my consent; but you will not refuse me a favor?”
”Ask me anything, and I promise it on the faith of a gentleman.”
”It is this, then; that you will stand by me in this affair of Stapylton's. I have gone too far for subtleties or niceties. It is no question of who was his father, or what was his own bringing up. I have told him I should be at his orders, and don't let me break my word.”
”If you choose me for your friend, Barrington, you must not dictate how I am to act for you.”
”That is quite true; you are perfectly correct there,” said the other, in some confusion.
”On that condition, then, that I am free to do for you what I would agree to in my own case, I accept the charge.”
”And there is to be no humbug of consideration for my age and my white hairs; none of that nonsense about a fellow with one leg in the grave.
Mark you, Conyers, I will stand none of these; I have never taken a writ of ease not to serve on a jury, nor will I hear of one that exempts me from the rights of a gentleman.”
”I have got your full powers to treat, and you must trust me. Where are we to find Stapylton's friend?”
”He gave me an address which I never looked at. Here it is!” and he drew a card from his pocket.
”Captain Duff Brown, late Fifth Fusiliers, Holt's Hotel, Charing Cross.”
”Do you know him?” asked Barrington, as the other stood silently re-reading the address.
”Yes, thoroughly,” said he, with a dry significance. ”The man who selects Duff Brown to act for him in an affair of honor must be in a sore strait. It is a sorry indors.e.m.e.nt to character. He had to leave the service from the imputation of foul play in a duel himself; and I took an active part against him.”
”Will this make your position unpleasant to you,--would you rather not act for me?”
”Quite the reverse. It is more than ever necessary you should have some one who not only knows the men he is to deal with, but is known himself to them. It is a preliminary will save a world of trouble.”
”When can we set out?”
”To-night by the eight-o'clock packet, we can sail for Liverpool; but let us first of all despatch Fred to 'The Home.' The poor boy will be half dead with anxiety till he knows I have your permission.”
”I 'll accredit him with a letter to my sister; not that he needs it, for he is one of her prime favorites. And now for another point.
Withering must be made believe that we are all off together for the country this evening. He is so opposed to this affair with Stapylton, that he is in a mood to do anything to prevent it.”
”Well thought of; and here comes the man himself in search of us.”
<script>