"Only the
young and innocent can ever really say with any conviction what is the
obvious way of blackguards. You don't know it--neither do I. A single
decent impulse on the part of a blackguard can upset all the calculations
of the virtuous. Oh, Bunny, you fool, what do you want to wreck things
for at this stage? Can't you see you've got a gift from the gods? Take
it, man, and be thankful that you're considered worthy of it!"
Bunny made a sharp movement of protest. Saltash was looking at him with
half-humorous compassion as one looks at a child with a damaged toy, and
he was keenly conscious of being at a disadvantage. But though checked,
he was not defeated. Saltash had made out a case for himself. He had in a
measure vindicated Toby. But that was not the end of the matter.
He stopped and faced him. "Why were you so anxious for me to marry her?"
he said. "I've got to know that."
He was instantly aware that Saltash eluded him, even though he seemed to
meet his look as he made reply. "You are quite welcome to know it, _mon
ami_. I chance to take a fatherly interest in you both."
Bunny flinched a little. Something in the light reply had pierced him
though he could not have said how.
Pages:
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324