Part 25 (1/2)
”You say he will be here at twelve?”
”At twelve.”
”Why did you ask him to come back?”
”You interrogate like a lawyer. I told him I would communicate with my princ.i.p.al.”
”Did he ask for help?”
”Not at all. He was ready to 'stand the racket,' he said. He merely wished to state the facts. He blamed himself for lack of discretion, and I could not contradict him. He was immaculate as ever in his personal appearance, but he looked pale.”
”Poor fellow!”
”Yes, it is unfortunate, I admit. But it will teach him a lesson. A man who wishes to become a merchant-prince cannot afford to trust anybody.”
”What a doctrine!”
”Business and sentiment are incompatible.”
I was silent a moment. ”Mr. Chelm, when he comes here at twelve, I want you to tell him that he shall not fail, and that I will pay his debts.”
”Miss Harlan, do not be so foolish, I beseech you!”
”But I will do this only on one condition, and that is,--that he will marry me.”
”What!”
I blushed before the lawyer's gaze and exclamation.
”Marry you?”
”Yes, Mr. Chelm. Do not be too much surprised. Trust me. I know what I am doing, believe me. Have I not hitherto usually been moderately sensible?”
”Up to this time I have regarded you as an uncommonly wise young woman; but this is sheer madness.”
”As you please. But you will comply with my request if I insist?”
”He will accept the offer.”
”If he does, you are to give me away, you remember. But I am sure he will not accept.”
”You were sure he would make a fortune.”
”But it was you who put the idea of marrying him into my head.”
”I am to be made to bear the blame, of course. There is one hope, however,--he thinks you sixty-five.”
”Ah! but he must be undeceived. You must tell him I am young and very beautiful.”
”What madness is this, Virginia?”