Part 8 (2/2)
As though to close the interview, he sprang up lightly, and bowed to Madeht ein, but only for a ained her self-possession, and was regarding him with attention, and a little of the contempt which became her so well
”Made you is lessened by the unexpected pleasure of your coht I hope you have found the hour not entirely unprofitable It has soesting it--that youheroic in me froht The fight on the stairs, the open boat--you see them all as they should be, do you not, the necessary parts of a piece of villainy? Pray forget theht, Mademoiselle”
Suddenly both he and I started, and involuntarily his hand went up to cover his torn lapel Made
”Captain,” she cried, ”you are absurd!”
”Absurd!” exclaimed my father uncertainly
”You of all people! You cannot sell the paper!”
He sighed with apparent relief
”And why not?” he asked
”Because,” said Madened it”
”Made, ”that her name and mine ritten at the bottom of the list It is a precaution I always take with such littleI did, Madeht the stairs for the lady”
Without another glance at either of us, she walked sloay, her chin tilted, her slender fingers clenched I knew that anger, fear, and disappoint there beside her, and yet she left the roo to her step on the stairs
”Ah,” said my father, ”there is a woman for you”
The last few minutes seemed to have wearied him, for he sank back heavily in his chair For a h my memory
”May I ask you a question?” I inquired
”It is ret if I have not been clear,” he said
”It is not that,” I assured hile virtue”
He raised his eyebrows
”You have admitted,” I persisted, ”that circumstances force you to keep your word”
”That,” my father said, ”is reed ”Yet, in your conversation with Mr Lawton you stated that you had given your word not to surrender this paper My question is--how can you reconcile this with your present intentions?”
For almost the only time I can remember, my father seemed puzzled for an answer He started to speak, and shook his head--drew out his handkerchief and passed it over his lips
”Circumstances alter even principles,” he answered finally, ”and this, my son, is one of the circu enough Show hi me my cloak and pistols”
Brutus lifted one of the candlesticks, grinned at me, and nodded