Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/151

146 want to meddle with trade and spinning. I am a county gentleman, and my ancestors—"

"I want you to do nothing the ancestors will object to. You need not appear at all. I know the man who will attend to the business for you."

"But that would be a mere question of competition; and it is likely Burley would have the best of it. He is clever in business, and he has the reputation of being clever. Everything is in his favor. I do not believe I could injure him in that way, and I might injure myself."

"Squire, you don't see as far through a stone wall as I thought you could," and he stooped forward and said a few words in a lower voice to Anthony.

Then the squire leaped to his feet with a laugh. "Thank you, Rhodes," he cried; "the plan is capital. No one but you would ever have dreamed of such a revenge."

"But my thoughts must depend on your money."

"Draw upon me for all you require; and, remember, I am patient. Do not lose an hour."

"It isn't my way. You can go home, squire;