Part 15 (1/2)
”He's one of the best we have, and I am surprised Mr. Chesney has parted with him,” said Eve.
”So am I, but then money is money and it was cash down,” said Braund.
”Mr. Chesney has plenty of money--I wonder why he sold him?” said Eve.
”You don't think there's anything wrong with the horse?” asked Braund sharply.
”Oh no,” laughed Eve; ”don't be alarmed. Mr. Chesney would not have sold him to you had such been the case.”
”No, I suppose not; but I've known men who would,” said Braund.
”In America?” asked Eve, with a merry twinkle in her eyes.
”Yes; there's some pretty cute hands at a bargain in my country.”
”But it would be dishonest,” protested Eve.
”We don't call it that,” said Braund.
”Then what do you call it?” she asked.
”It would be regarded as a cute bit of business. A man is supposed to look after his interests; if another man gets the better of him, it's all in the game. We admire the man who gets the better of another man,” said Braund.
Eve laughed as she said:
”I am afraid that is not my way of looking at things.”
”No, of course not; how could it be?” said Braund quickly.
Eve was amused at him. He had an unending flow of conversation, his remarks were original, he expressed opinions freely in a way she was not accustomed to hear. On the whole he created, if not an altogether favorable impression, at least a curiosity to know more of him.
It was a pleasant evening, and as they motored back to Trent Park the American expressed his entire approval of the visit.
”Two very sensible women,” he said; ”also very charming. You're lucky to live here; I suppose you see a good deal of them?”
Alan said he did, and changed the subject. He was not inclined to discuss Eve Berkeley with him.
”We'll go through the village,” said Alan. ”It won't be dark for a long time, in fact it's light almost all night now.”
He drove slowly through Little Trent. Abel Head was about to close the Sherwood Inn; Carl Meason stood near him, full in the light of the lamp, which Abel always lit, whether required or not, at the same hour.
”Quaint inns and places you have in this country,” said Braund, as he noticed the sign.
Abel recognized Alan and touched his cap. Carl Meason stared at them.
As his glance rested on the American he gave a slight start of surprise.
”Who is that with Mr. Chesney?” he asked.