"We propose, Mr. Fenning, that you should return to America at once, without seeing Miss Pinsent or informing her of your arrival. You have lost time and incurred expense—and—er—no doubt you're disappointed. We shall consider all this in a liberal spirit." Ashley's speech ended here; he was inclined to add, "I'll deal with you as one scoundrel with another."
"Go back now, without seeing her?" Was there actually a sparkle of pleasure, or relief, or thankfulness in his eye? Ashley nodded, took out the notes, and laid them on the table. Bowdon shifted his feet, lit a cigarette, and looked away from his companions out of the window.
"I have here five hundred pounds. If you'll take the first boat and slip away without letting your—er—visit be known to anybody, I'll hand them over to you, when you step on board."
Jack shook his head thoughtfully. "You see I'm out of a place," he said. "I threw up my position to come."
He was haggling about the price, nothing else; Bowdon got up and opened the window.
"I made a sacrifice for the sake of returning to Miss Pinsent; my expenses have been—"
"For God's sake, how much do you want?" said Bowdon, turning round on him.
"There's a little spec I know of—" began Jack, with a confidential smile.
"How much?" said Ashley.