“It was Harding told me. He said that Jack did not seem overjoyed at his good luck; and declared that he was not quite sure he would accept it.”
“Indeed,” said she, thoughtfully.
“That's not the only news. Colonel Bramleigh was summoned to town by a telegram this morning, but what about I did n't hear. If Harding knew—and I 'm not sure that he did—he was too discreet to tell. But I am not at the end of my tidings. It seems they have discovered coal on Lord Culduff's estate, and a great share company is going to be formed, and untold wealth to be distributed amongst the subscribers.”
“I wonder why Jack did not tell me he was going away?” said she.
“Perhaps he does not intend to go; perhaps the Colonel has gone up to try and get something better for him; perhaps—”
“Any perhaps will do, George,” said she, like one willing to change the theme. “What do you say to my decorations? Have you no compliments to make me on my exquisite taste?”
“Harding certainly thinks well of it,” said he, not heeding her question.
“Thinks well of what, George?”
“He's a shrewd fellow,” continued he; “and if he deems the investment good enough to venture his own money in, I suspect, Ju, we might risk ours.”
“I wish you would tell me what you are talking about; for all this is a perfect riddle to me.”