Part 21 (2/2)
”And I have made my little garden one of the most productive in the county.”
”All of which we will take into consideration, my dear sir. Now, not to take up your time, what do you say? I have a plan in my pocket of the estate, and I am quite prepared to come to terms at once.”
”But is not this very sudden?” said the Colonel, smiling.
”Well, perhaps so, my dear sir; but I always advise the companies who intrust me with their affairs to be business-like and prompt. Let us have none of the law's delays, my dear sir, I say. It means waste of time; and as time is money, it is a waste of hard cash. Now, sir, you, as a military man, know the value of decision.”
”I hope so,” said the Colonel, who looked amused.
”Well, in plain English, sir, will you sell?”
”In plain English, Mr Dix,” said the Colonel, promptly, ”'No.'”
”Take time, my dear sir, take time,” said the lawyer. ”Don't, let me implore you, throw away a good chance. Name your terms.”
”I have no terms to propose, sir. I like my house here, and I shall not part with it at any price.--Yes, Dolly? What is it?”
For the maid had tapped and entered, looking very round-eyed and surprised.
”Another gentleman to see you, sir.”
”Indeed? You will not mind, Mr Dix?”
”Oh, by no means, my dear sir. But one moment, please. Why not close with my proposal? Come, my dear sir, to be plain, I will take the place at your own terms.”
”You will not take the place at any terms, sir,” said the Colonel, decisively. ”Dolly, show the other gentleman in. But did he give you his card?”
”No, sir; said he'd like to speak to you himself.”
”Show him in, then.”
”Hah!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the lawyer; ”but you will alter your mind, Colonel Pendarve?”
”I hope not.”
”But if you do, you will give me the first offer?”
”I will make no promises, sir,” replied the Colonel.
At that moment a reddish-haired, sour-looking man was shown in, and he nodded shortly to the lawyer.
”You here?” he said.
”Yes, my dear Brownson, I am here. Business, my dear sir, business.
You really do not mean to say that you have come on the same mission as I.”
”I beg pardon, Colonel Pendarve,” said the fresh visitor. ”I was not aware that Mr Dix here proposed visiting you. Can I have the pleasure of a few words on business of great importance?”
”Certainly,” said the Colonel, who now looked very much amused; ”but may I ask if it is concerning the purchase of the mine?”
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