"We might be prevailed upon to do as much."
"On those terms I accept; I can have my revenge another way."
"Any other way you please. This is all I stipulate for."
"Can we arrange the business now?"
"At once. I will call my detective friend in."
The next half-hour is passed in the settlement of the affair, and Felix conducts himself in so calm and business-like a manner, as to intensify the bitterness with which Mr. Sheldrake regards him. Lily and her father and grandfather do not speak, but they worship Felix with their eyes; and now and then he turns and gives them an encouraging smile, which does not escape Mr. Sheldrake's notice. But he seems more eager than Felix to conclude the affair, having something in his mind of which he is burning to deliver himself.
"On your word and honour as a gentleman," he says, as he receives certain letters and papers from Felix, "these are all that you have?"
Felix, who has been carefully examining the bills, and who has been very particular in the wording of the paper which releases Alfred from liability, places the documents in his pocket carefully, and says,
"On my word and honour as a gentleman, these are all that we have. I cannot honestly put the same form of words to you; but I am satisfied that the bills tally with the list, and that the amount is correct. Here, then, our acquaintanceship ends. I wish you good-day."
"I am going," says Mr. Sheldrake, energetically buttoning his coat--"where to, do you think?"