Page:Terminations (New York, Harper and Brothers, 1895).djvu/141

Rh tell you as much as that without telling you what I knew of the reason of it. It was not till a day or two ago," Mrs. Mulville went on, "that she asked me to ask you if you wouldn't come and see her. Then at last she said that you knew about the idea of the Endowment."

I considered a little. "Why on earth does she want to see me?"

"To talk with you, naturally, about Mr. Saltram."

"As a subject for the prize?" This was hugely obvious, and I presently exclaimed: "I think I'll sail to-morrow for Australia."

"Well, then—sail!" said Mrs. Mulville, getting up.

"On Thursday at five, we said?" I frivolously continued. The appointment was made definite, and I enquired how, all this time, the unconscious candidate had carried himself.

"In perfection, really, by the happiest of chances: he has been a dear. And then, as to what we revere him for, in the most wonderful form. His very highest pure celestial light. You won't do him an ill turn?" Adelaide pleaded at the door.

"What danger can equal for him the danger to which he is exposed for himself?" I asked. "Look out sharp, if he has lately been decorous. He'll presently take a day off; treat us to some exhibition that will make an Endowment a scandal."