Baird had no intention of being hurried in the matter. He meant that Edward should give a guarantee for Garvin that would make his own position in the firm "a sure thing."
"I'll know that in a few days, Garvin. I have to see Edwin Carter again—I can tell you more then. I see no reason why the thing shouldn't go through. I'm going to make every effort to get it for you."
Garvin was forced to curb his impatience. "You're a brick, Baird."
"No—I think you're the man for the place."
They parted, each taking up thoughts that had little to do with business.
Garvin looked up at the long dim line of Westmore. Let Edward have the place if he wanted it; it was rightfully Edward's; it was Edward's money that had bought up the mortgages. He would take Ann and go. Go soon, even if he had to attach himself to Baird's firm merely as a traveling agent.
He unsaddled, stalled his horse, and let himself into the house. The lights were out; Edward and Judith must have gone to bed.
But he saw, as he came up the stairs, that Edward was still up. He was standing in his open door, evidently waiting for him. In his harassed condition, Edward was the last person he wanted to see.
"You up, Ed?" he said casually.
"Yes.... Come in here—I want to speak to you."