Part 43 (1/2)
”No trouble. I merely severed my connection with him.”
”Ah! When?”
”This morning.”
”In that case,” said Austin, laughing, ”I've a job for you--”
”No, old fellow; and thank you with all my heart. I've half made up my mind to live on my income for a while and take up that Chaosite matter again--”
”And blow yourself to smithereens! Why spatter Nature thus?”
”No fear,” said Selwyn, laughing. ”And, if it promises anything, I may come to you for advice on how to start it commercially.”
”If it doesn't start you heavenward you shall have my advice from a safe distance. I'll telegraph it,” said Austin. ”But, if it's not personal, why on earth have you shaken Neergard?”
And Selwyn answered simply: ”I don't like him. That is the reason, Austin.”
The children from the head of the stairs were now shouting demands for their father; and Austin rose, pretending to grumble:
”Those confounded kids! A man is never permitted a moment to himself. Is Nina up there, Eileen! Oh, all right. Excuses et cetera; I'll be back pretty soon. You'll stay to dine, Phil?”
”I don't think so--”
”Yes, he will stay,” said Eileen calmly.
And, when Austin had gone, she walked swiftly over to where Selwyn was standing, and looked him directly in the eyes.
”Is all well with Gerald?”
”Y-yes, I suppose so.”
”Is he still with Neergard & Co.?”
”Yes, Eileen.”
”And _you_ don't like Mr. Neergard?”
”N-no.”
”Then Gerald must not remain.”
He said very quietly: ”Eileen, Gerald no longer takes me into his confidence. I am afraid--I know, in fact--that I have little influence with him now. I am sorry; it hurts; but your brother is his own master, and he is at liberty to choose his own friends and his own business policy. I cannot influence him; I have learned that thoroughly. Better that I retain what real friends.h.i.+p he has left for me than destroy it by any attempt, however gentle, to interfere in his affairs.”
She stood before him, straight, slender, her face grave and troubled.
”I cannot understand,” she said, ”how he could refuse to listen to a man like you.”
”A man like me, Eileen? Well, if I were worth listening to, no doubt he'd listen. But the fact remains that I have not been able to hold his interest--”
”Don't give him up,” she said, still looking straight into his eyes. ”If you care for me, don't give him up.”
”Care for you, Eileen! You know I do.”