Wray got up hurriedly. "I won’t ’butt in’ then. I don’t want to disturb——"
"Oh, sit down—do. You make me nervous. Have a cigarette—I’ll take one, too. Now tell me what on earth is the matter with you."
"You’ve changed somehow. When I met you at the Bents’ I thought you the most wonderful person I had ever met—with great—very great possibilities. Even at the Janneys’ the illusion still remained. Something has happened to change you. You do nothing but scowl and say the wrong thing. There’s no excuse for any man to do that."
"I’m worried. There’s been a slight tangle in my plans. I—but I’m not going to trouble you with——"
"I want to hear—of course. You went to Washington?"
"Yes—to see some of our congressmen. I have the law on my side in this fight, and I’m trying to make things copperlined—so there can’t be a leak anywhere. Those fellows down there are afraid of their own lives. They act as though they were on the lookout for somebody to stab them in the back. Washington is too near New York. A fellow goes there from the West and in about six months he’s a changed man. He forgets that he ever came from God’s country, and learns to bow and scrape and lick boots. I reckon that’s the way to get what you want here in the East—but it goes against my grain."
"Oh, yes, I found out what I wanted to know. It’s only a question of money. They’ll fall in line when I’m ready. But it’s going to take cash—more than I thought it would."
"My credit’s good, and I’m paying eight per cent."
"I know. Eight is the legal rate in my state. Business is done on that basis."
"I wish I could help. You know I’m horribly rich. I’d like to look into the matter. Will you let me?"
"Yes, but there’s a risk—you see, I’m honest with you. I’ll give stock as security and a share in the profits—but my stock isn’t exactly like government bonds. Who is your lawyer? I’ll put it up to him if you like."
"Stephen Gillis. But he’ll do what I say."
"Oh, yes, I shall. But I have faith in you, Jeff Wray. It seems like a good speculation. I’d like you to send me all the data. I’ll really look into it seriously." She stopped and examined his face in some concern. In the lamplight she saw the lines that worry had drawn there. "But not to-night. You’ve had enough of business. You’re tired—in your mind"—she paused again that he might the better understand her meaning—"but you’re more tired in your heart. Business is the least of your worries. Am I right?"