Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/279

 taken. As for your situation between the devil and the deep sea, that's easy. Avoid the deep sea, unless you're a good swimmer, but resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Corbitt smiled grimly.

"That's exactly what I resolved to do," he said.

"Then you're not yet out of the dilemma?"

"No, the devil still goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, which seems to be Selwyn's Bank."

"Ah, the bank's in a bad way, is it?"

"No; it never was in a better position."

"Then what is there to growl about?"

"I'm not growling."

"Oh, excuse me; I thought you were. I see you've set out to bewilder me. I shall become puffed up by thinking you regretted my absence."

"No; I thank whatever gods there be that you were out of the country."

"This is brutal, Corbitt!"

"Your absence gave me a chance for once to have my own way, because I speedily overcame Sir George Selwyn's opposition. I feared an unexpected return on your part, for I thought it likely you would support him."

"Your surmise was quite correct."