“Well, then, mum’s the word,” said Grimshaw, smiling.
“Oh, yes, mum as an oyster,” she returned.
“He wants to buy that place where the Duanes live.”
Adèle’s heart leaped. “What does he want of that little shanty?”
“He wants to tear it down and put up a flat building to cover the whole lot.”
“Splendid idea,” responded Adèle. “It’s high time Farrandale had something handsome in the way of an apartment building, and Mr. Goldstein would do something with class.”
“But Colonel Duane’s garden. He is wrapped up in the place, and they haven’t any money for another. It just happened that the cottage fitted their needs and was cheap.”
Color brightened Adèle’s pale face. Lady Luck was coming her way. To get rid of Millicent Duane was a rosier prospect than even the music at the Koh-i-noor.
“They could find a place in the country,” she said. “It would be something new if Miss Frink wanted to throw over such a chance to turn a few honest thousands. You ought not to let her. You ought to look after her better than that.”
“I told Goldstein that there was a probability that sentiment might enter into this matter; and he has offered to make it very much worth my while to put the sale through. It is the biggest temptation I ever received.” The speaker’s eyes shone.