Redmain. What he
had of pride was not of the same sort as Wardour's: it made no
pretense to dignity, and was less antagonistic, so long at least
as there was no talk of good motive or righteous purpose. Far
from being offended with Mary's request, he got up at once,
though indeed he was rather unwell and dreading an attack,
ordered his brougham, and drove to Testbridge. There, careful of
secrecy, he went to several shops, and bought something at each,
but pretended not to find the thing he wanted.
He then said he would lunch at the inn, told his coachman to put
up, and, while his meal was getting ready, went to Mary's shop,
which was but a few doors off. There he asked for a certain
outlandish stuff, and insisted on looking over a bale not yet
unpacked. Mary understood him, and, whispering Letty to take him
to the parlor, followed a minute after.
As soon as she entered--
"Come, now, what's it all about?" he said.
Mary began at once to tell him, as directly as she could, that
she was under obligation to Mr. Wardour of Thornwick, and that
she had reason to fear Miss Yolland was trying to get a hold of
him--"And you know what that would be for any man!" she said.
"No, by Jove! I don't," he answered. "What would it be?"
"Utter ruin," replied Mary. "Then go and tell him so, if you want
to save him."
"I have told him. But he does not like me, and won't believe me.
Pages:
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573