Part 50 (1/2)
Waymark dined with them one Sunday in June, and, in the course of the evening, went with Abraham to the smoking-room for some private conversation.
”Do you remember,” he began, ”once offering to buy those shares of mine?”
”Yes, I do,” replied Mr. Woodstock, narrowing his eyes.
”Does the offer still hold good?”
”Yes, yes; if you're anxious to realise.”
”I am. I want money--for two purposes.”
”What are they?” Abraham asked bluntly.
”One is a private matter, which I don't think I need speak of; but the other I can explain. I have found a courageous publisher who has offered to bring my book out if I take a certain risk. This I have made up my mind to do. I want to get the thing out, if only for the sake of hearing Mrs. Grundy lift up her voice; and if it can't be otherwise, I must publish at my own expense.”
”Will it repay you?” Mr. Woodstock asked.
”Ultimately, I have no doubt; but I don't care so much about that.”
”H'm. I should think that's the chief matter to be considered. And you won't tell me what the other speculation is?”
”I'm going to lend a friend some money, but I don't wish to go into detail.”
The old man looked at him shrewdly.
”Very well,” he said presently. ”I'll let you have the cash. Could you manage to look in at the office to-morrow at mid-day?”
This was arranged, and Waymark rose, but Mr. Woodstock motioned to him to resume his seat.
”As we're talking,” he began, ”I may as well have over something that's on my mind. Why haven't you told Ida yet about that engagement of yours?”
”Haven't _you_ done so?” Waymark asked, in surprise.
”Did you think I had?”
”Why, yes, I did.”
”I've done nothing of the kind,” Abraham returned, pretending to be surprised at the supposition, though he knew it was a perfectly natural one.
Waymark was silent.
”Don't you think,” the other pursued, ”it's about time something was said to her?”
”I can't see that it matters, and--”
”But I _can_ see. As long as that isn't known you're here, to speak plainly, on false pretences.”
”Then I won't come here at all!”
”Very good,” exclaimed the old man irritably, ”so long as you explain to her first.”