Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/39

Rh "Oho, oho!" muttered Brassard, "now we have an interesting situation."

"Yes, haven't we?"

"A young profligate, who has more money than is good for him, dares to come to me, a reputable man of business, and proposes that I shall assist him in his intrigues. Do you deny that?"

"I've said once before I wouldn't contradict you."

"You are in love with this woman?"

"Yes; I was in love with her long before she married."

"And you have the brazen cheek to sit there and admit it!"

"In that case I shall stand," said Stranleigh, rising and buttoning on his gloves with that scrupulous attention which he always gave to anything pertaining to his clothing.

"There is nothing so distresses me, Mr. Brassard, as solid British virtue on the rampage, so you will excuse me if I take my departure. When this exhibition takes place in the person of a middle-aged man whose legs are too short, whose neck is too thick, and whose body is too round, the spectacle contains elements of the ludicrous. Good-afternoon, Mr. Brassard."

"Have you seen this woman since she was married?"

"Oh, yes, I had tea with her this afternoon."