"Not exactly. I quite understand your staying in the large towns. It is always an advantage to be personally acquainted with one's commercial correspondents. Unfortunately I have no time for it, but I certainly provided you with plenty of letters of introduction. What is it--a telegram?"
The last words were addressed to a servant who had entered behind the two gentlemen, and who now offered him a telegram which had just arrived.
While Gustave and Miss Clifford exchanged the first general remarks, the elder brother opened the telegram, glanced over it, and then, turning to the other two, said--
"I must leave you for half an hour; a matter of business which demands immediate attention."
"To-day! Sunday?" asked Gustave. "Do you, then, never allow yourself a moment's rest?"
"Why should I? Something might then be neglected. On Sunday, when the offices are closed, I have the most pressing business sent out here. You looked up Jenkins and Co. in New York, Gustave? The telegram comes from them. I shall speak about it to you later. Meanwhile, I leave you in Jessie's company; so good-bye."
He folded the telegram together and went.
CHAPTER II.
The younger brother looked after him with an air of the most profound astonishment.
"Well! one does not seem in danger of being spoiled by excessive brotherly love," he remarked drily, turning towards Jessie.