Van's mild blue eyes looked on him wonderingly.
"You could be of so much use, Mr. Longcluse!"
"But--but that may be, I think it must, in consequence of the unhappy estrangement."
He had been conning over phrases on his way, and thought that a pretty one.
"A very happy estrangement, on the contrary, for the man who is straight and true, and who is by it relieved of a great--mistake."
"I should be so extremely happy," said Van lingeringly, "if I were instrumental in inducing both parties to shake hands."
"But, surely, if Richard Arden were the first to offer----"
Van rose; he fiddled with his hat a little; he hesitated. He had staked too much on this--for had he not promised to report the whole thing to Richard Arden, who was not likely to be pleased?--to give up without one last effort.
"I hope I am not very impertinent," he said, "but I can hardly think, Mr. Longcluse, that you are quite indifferent to a reconciliation."
"No, thanks; I do so hope that I don't quite understand."
"That's hardly my fault; I have spoken very distinctly."
"Then what you wish to convey is----" said Van, with his hand now at the door.
"Is this," said Longcluse, "that I decline Mr. Arden's acquaintance, that I won't consider his affairs, and that I peremptorily refuse to be of the slightest use to him in his difficulties. I hope I am now sufficiently distinct."
"And my visit is a failure. I'm awfully sorry I can't be of any use!"
"None here, Sir, to Mr. Arden--none, no more than I."
"Then I have only to beg of you to accept my apologies for having given you a great deal of trouble, and to beg pardon for having disturbed you, and to say good-night."
"No trouble--none. I am glad everything is clear now. Good-night."
And Mr. Longcluse saw him politely to the door, and said again, in a clear, stern tone, but with a smile and another bow, "Good-night," as he parted at the door.
About an hour later a servant arrived with a letter for Mr. Longcluse. That gentleman recognised the hand, and suspended his business to read it. He did so with a smile. It was thus expressed:--
"I beg to inform you, in the distinctest terms, that neither Mr. Vandeleur, nor any other gentleman, had any authority from me to enter into any discussion with you, or to make the slightest allusion to subjects upon which Mr. Vandeleur, at your desire, tells me he, this evening, thought fit to converse with you. And I beg, in the most pointed manner, to disavow all connection with, or previous knowledge of, that gentleman's visit and conversation. And I do so lest Mr. Vandeleur's assertion to the same effect should appear imperfect without mine.--I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,