“You must find it very pleasant here, Mrs. Remington,” was Tamms’s contribution to the conversation; and “We’re not much acquainted yet—I think it’s rather too gay,” was her reply. The two Miss Remingtons showed an evident inclination to converse with Charlie, but seemed as if restrained by the presence of their elders; and Charlie was not sorry when the nuts and raisins appeared, and they took their leave. The Deacon had seemed greatly preoccupied; but he walked with them to their buggy and fast horses, and Sadie Remington with Charlie.
“Of course, you know, Tamms,” said the Deacon, by way of parting, “I’m much obliged to you for the point.”
“Don’t mention it, Deacon, don’t mention it,” said Tamms, heartily, as he climbed in and gathered up the reins.
“I hope, Mr. Townley, now you’ve found the way, you’ll be neighborly and come and see us often,” said Sadie Remington. She was really a very pretty girl, thought Charlie; he had done her some injustice in her mermaid garb; and he was able to regret the impossibility of returning to Ocean Grove with some sincerity.
Tamms said very little going home; and Charlie’s mind was also active. “The Governor” had certainly made of him his most intimate and confidential clerk; but such was his cleverness that Charlie felt he knew rather less of Mr. Tamms’s projects than he did before. Upon one thing, after some reflection, Charlie was decided; and that was to very carefully tear up and throw away the telegram he had written the night before for Mrs. Gower. For Tamms had given too much advice to the Deacon, by half.
The next day Charlie got up betimes, and was driven to the pier by Mr. Tamms. “I need not tell you,” said that gentleman, “not to say anything about what I told you, or of our seeing the Deacon yesterday.”
“Of course not,” said Charlie.
“The Deacon is a very overbearing man in business affairs,” added Tamms, absently. “And by the way, Townley, any chance bits of Allegheny Central stock you can pick up—at the board, you may take for us.”
“Certainly,” said Charlie. “How much?”
“I don’t particularly care—ten thousand or so, perhaps—you’ll hardly get more than that. But do it quietly.”