Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/265

 while this lovely weather lasts. I refuse to go to London on any account. I decline to do anything more strenuous than sign a cheque. Come along."

Stranleigh waved his difficult guest into a very comfortable wicker chair, and flung himself down on a similar seat opposite. A gentle breeze blew through the pergola, and the matted foliage of vines overhead kept out the rays of the midday sun. The waterfall's murmur came very faintly on the wings of an indolent wind.

Mackeller began in a tone that was almost combative.

"I must apologise for intruding upon your Garden of Eden"

"In the guise of a business serpent," interrupted Stranleigh. "That's a rather fine piece of imagery, and I claim half the credit of it. Apology accepted. Fire ahead."

"My excuse is this. I understood from you that some experiments in philanthropy had not come off to your satisfaction."

"They failed utterly."

"So I thought, perhaps, you might be induced to extend your philanthrophy to an acquaintance"

"A friend, Peter, a friend. Don't be pessimistic."