Stephen winced, and looked at him from the corners of his eyes. Was there any significance in the speech? But Jack’s face was open and frank, as usual.
“That’s a bargain,” said Stephen, laughing.
Jack thought a moment.
“But what about Mr. Rolfe?” he said, dubiously.
“Leave him to me,” said Stephen, confidently. “I will manage him. And, by the way, I think for the present that we had better keep our little engagement quiet. You understand? He had better hear it from my lips, and—you quite see, Jack?”
Jack didn’t quite see. He would have preferred to go to Gideon Rolfe and have the matter out—fight it out if need be—but he was, so to speak, in Stephen’s hands.
“Very well,” he said.
“And now have another cigar, my dear Jack, you’ve eaten that one.”
But Jack was anxious to go. He wanted to be alone to think over this strange interview, and realize that Una was his.
“Well, if you will go,” said Stephen, reluctantly; “but mind, I shall expect you to make this your second home.”