Lisle paused to look back when he reached the end of the terrace, from which a path that would save him a short walk led through a shrubbery. One wing of the building was covered with Virginia creeper that glowed with the gorgeous hues of a fading maple leaf, the sunlight lay on the grass, and the feeling of tranquillity that hung about the place grew stronger. He thought that he could understand how the desire to possess it would stir an Englishman reared in such surroundings, and yet he was now convinced that this was not the impulse which had driven Gladwyne into deserting his starving cousin. The man had merely yielded to craven fear.
He heard footsteps, and looking around was a little surprised to see Batley moving toward him.
"You have just called on Gladwyne," Batley began.
Lisle stopped. There was, so far as he knew, nothing to be said in favor of the man, but his cool boldness was tempered by a certain geniality and an occasional candor that the Canadian could not help appreciating. He preferred Batley to Gladwyne.
"I'm inclined to think your visit concerned me. I've noticed your interest in young Crestwick--it's obvious--I don't know whether one could say the same of the cause of it?"
"We won't discuss that. If you have anything to say to me, you had better adopt a less offensive style."
"You're quick at resenting things. I don't see why you should expect a longer patience from me."
"I don't expect anything from you," Lisle informed him. "In proof of it, I'll mention that I called to tell Gladwyne he must keep you off of Jim Crestwick."
He made a slip in the last few words, which the other quickly noticed.
"You have some kind of a hold on Gladwyne; so have I. Of course, it's no news to you. I'm a little curious to learn what yours consists of."
"It struck me that we might work together."
"I'm not going in for card-sharping or anything of that kind!"
The man seemed roused by this, but he mastered his anger.
"Civility isn't expensive and sometimes it's wise," he observed. "I won't return the compliment; in fact, I'll credit you with the most disinterested motives. All I mean is that I might help you and you might help me. I'm not quite what you seem to think I am, and if I can get my money back out of Gladwyne I won't harm him."