“I have had business relations with Miss Preston,” he said coolly. He was beginning to feel an exceeding dislike of the well-dressed, smiling young man at his side.
“Yes,” agreed David, shrugging his shoulders. “she’s mentioned the fact to me.”
Jarvis tightened his grasp on the reins after his old choleric fashion, and the mare leaped forward as if expecting the cut of the ready lash.
“I understand Miss Preston has been relieved of—her anxieties somewhat,” he said evenly. “I—was glad to know it.”
David’s lip curled.
“Indeed!” he syllabled with a touch of insolence. “Well, I’ve no doubt Barbara—Miss Preston—will be duly grateful, when—er—I mention the fact of your interest in her affairs.”
“You’ll not mention it, I hope,” Jarvis said. After a brief silence he added, “You understand me, of course.”
“Well, no,” drawled David. “I don’t believe I do.”
He looked whimsically at Jarvis, as if expecting further elucidation.