Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/109

 Sir George laughed.

"I see I can make no impression on you, so let us talk about Stranleigh, and about long-headed wisdom, supposed to be a Scottish quality. You have known Stranleigh for some time?"

"Yes."

"Do you always treat him as you did to-night?"

"Oh, I have had many a pleasant conversation with Stranleigh."

"Pleasant for him?"

"I hope so."

"Do you think him at all revengeful?"

"I don't exactly know what to think of him. Sometimes he seems to be a blithering idiot, and at others merely an ignorant ass."

The tolerant old man smiled inscrutably.

"I doubt your judgment and I deplore your diplomacy. If he happens to be quietly vindictive, I shouldn't like to be in your shoes. Stranleigh is the real owner of Selwyn's Bank."

Even the stolid Corbitt looked aghast at this intelligence.

"He can turn me out of the presidency whenever he wishes to do so. Judge, therefore, how insecure is your position."