Page:Stanwood Pier--The ancient grudge.djvu/334

Rh give your attention to that, too," he said. "It's something you will be glad to do."

"Do you want to talk it over with me so that I may know what your idea is?" Floyd asked.

"No. I have n't developed it in any detail. I've had a lawyer collect for me all the data that I needed; it was Barstow; he's accurate; you'll be working on it with him and another. There's no use in my telling you about it now—any more than there is of my giving you advice about the works. I'd rather have you go at it without any hint from me; it will be better done."

"You don't need to feel such a sad certainty about that," Floyd said, with a laugh.

"I'm not sad because I'm so certain. I'm rather proud because I could have at the very end so big an idea; the idea's a fine one; even the conservative Barstow admits that. But it's better that I should rest contented with the idea. Besides, if it goes through we should both want to share in it; your share shall be in executing it."

"Considering the way I have frowned on some of your ideas in the past, I am very proud to be intrusted with the execution of this," said Floyd.

"Ah, this is different, quite different; you won't frown on this," Colonel Halket assured him. "I should n't take chances intrusting it to anybody about whose sympathy I could n't feel sure.—And Marion Clark would be a help, too," he added craftily. "Sympathetic and efficient; I should n't wonder, Floyd, if she had a touch of your grandmother's quality."

"Is the idea one that can afford to wait indefinitely?"

"Nonsense; why should it? You can afford not to wait. I see I'll have to make a codicil to the will—and offer you a bonus if you get married within a certain time.—Only I don't believe I can reach you by appealing to avarice.—Look here, Floyd,"—his playful tone turned more gentle and serious,—"perhaps you've got