He sat down and explained to her by what means, trying, as best he could, to restate the particulars of Moffatt's deal; and her manifest ignorance of business methods had the effect of making his vagueness appear less vague.
"Anyhow, he seems to be sure it's a safe thing. I understand he's in with Rolliver now, and Rolliver practically controls Apex. This is some kind of a scheme to buy up all the works of public utility at Apex. They're practically sure of their charter, and Moffatt tells me I can count on doubling my investment within a few weeks. Of course I'll go into the details if you like—"
"Oh, no; you've made it all so clear to me!" She really made him feel he had. "And besides, what on earth does it matter? The great thing is that it's done." She lifted her sparkling eyes. "And now—my share—you haven't told me…"
He explained that Mr. Dagonet, to whom he had already named the amount demanded, had at once promised him twenty-five thousand dollars, to be eventually deducted from his share of the estate. His mother had something put by that she insisted on contributing; and Henley Fairford, of his own accord, had come forward with ten thousand: it was awfully decent of Henley…
"Even Henley!" Clare sighed. "Then I'm the only one left out?"
Ralph felt the colour in his face. "Well, you see, I shall need as much as fifty—"
Her hands flew together joyfully. "But then you've got to let me help!
Oh, I'm so glad—so glad! I've twenty thousand waiting."
He looked about the room, checked anew by all its oppressive implications. "You're a darling…but I couldn't take it."
"I've told you it's mine, every penny of it!"
"Yes; but supposing things went wrong?"