"You say he will be here at twelve?"
"At twelve."
"Why did you ask him to come back?"
"You interrogate like a lawyer. I told him I would communicate with my princ.i.p.al."
"Did he ask for help?"
"Not at all. He was ready to "stand the racket," he said. He merely wished to state the facts. He blamed himself for lack of discretion, and I could not contradict him. He was immaculate as ever in his personal appearance, but he looked pale."
"Poor fellow!"
"Yes, it is unfortunate, I admit. But it will teach him a lesson. A man who wishes to become a merchant-prince cannot afford to trust anybody."
"What a doctrine!"
"Business and sentiment are incompatible."
I was silent a moment. "Mr. Chelm, when he comes here at twelve, I want you to tell him that he shall not fail, and that I will pay his debts."
"Miss Harlan, do not be so foolish, I beseech you!"
"But I will do this only on one condition, and that is,--that he will marry me."
"What!"
I blushed before the lawyer"s gaze and exclamation.
"Marry you?"
"Yes, Mr. Chelm. Do not be too much surprised. Trust me. I know what I am doing, believe me. Have I not hitherto usually been moderately sensible?"
"Up to this time I have regarded you as an uncommonly wise young woman; but this is sheer madness."
"As you please. But you will comply with my request if I insist?"
"He will accept the offer."
"If he does, you are to give me away, you remember. But I am sure he will not accept."
"You were sure he would make a fortune."
"But it was you who put the idea of marrying him into my head."
"I am to be made to bear the blame, of course. There is one hope, however,--he thinks you sixty-five."
"Ah! but he must be undeceived. You must tell him I am young and very beautiful."
"What madness is this, Virginia?"
"Trust me, Mr. Chelm, and do what I ask you."
"Very well."
"You will tell him?"
"If you insist."
"And I shall be in the other room and overhear it all. Stop, one thing more. In case he refuses, make him promise to come to see me this afternoon for a half hour. That at least he will not have the discourtesy to deny me. But only if he refuses, mind."
"Do you really wish me to make this offer?" said Mr. Chelm, as a last appeal.
"I was never more in earnest in my life," I replied.
A half hour later, Mr. Prime entered, followed as usual by Ike. I had made Mr. Chelm promise that he would leave no argument unused to induce Francis to accept my offer. He looked pale and worn, but there was nothing despairing or otherwise than manly in his air.
"I have seen my princ.i.p.al, sir," said Mr. Chelm with abruptness. "She is very sorry for you."
"I thank her with all my heart. And some day I hope to be able to restore to her the money which I have lost through my credulity."
"It is of that I wish to speak. Please sit down. My client does not wish you to fail. She will pay your debts."
"Impossible!"
"Please do not interrupt me. But she demands of you a favor in return."
"It is hers to command, whatever it is; but I will take no more money."
"Wait until you hear what I have to say. In consideration of what she has done for you, and what she is ready to do for you, she asks you to become her husband."
"Her husband?"
"Yes, that is the favor."
Francis Prime stood confounded, as if he were doubting either his sanity or that of his companion.
"Her husband? Wishes me to become her husband?"
"Why not? She loves you."
"She is an old lady, you told me."
"Did I? I was trying to conceal from you then that she is young and excessively beautiful. I will tell you more. She is worth four millions in her own right."
"What is her name?"
"That I will tell you also,--Miss Virginia Harlan."