“But——” urged Stephen.
Mr. Hudsley waved his hand.
“I am quite resolved, sir. If you should need any information respecting any business that has occurred up to the present, I am at your service; but for the future I beg to withdraw. Good-morning.”
Stephen rose, and held out his hand.
“At least, Mr. Hudsley,” he said, “we part as friends, notwithstanding this hasty resolution of yours?”
“It is not hasty, sir,” said Hudsley, and just touching the cold, thin hand, he bowed and left the room.
Stephen sank into a chair, and wiped the drops of cold sweat that had accumulated on his brow.
“He suspects me,” he muttered. “He suspects! But he suspects only, and he can do nothing, or he would have done it. Yes; he is powerless. Let him go! let him go!” he repeated; and he paced the room.
Gradually the relief of Hudsley’s withdrawal broke upon him, and his step grew lighter.
“Yes, let him go! Now I am free—I am my own master! master of wealth undreamed of! And I’ll use it! By Heaven, I’ll be happy! Let him go! I meant to get rid of him—he has saved me an unpleasant scene. And now to work, to work!”