“No, sir,” said the old man hastily; and he passed the hand at liberty across his face.
“I am sorry. I should have liked to settle this, now it is on my mind.”
Crampton looked wildly towards the door, in the hope that the coming of wife or daughter would bring about a diversion.
“Of course,” said Van Heldre suddenly, “you have not shown the young man that you have had this idea in your head?”
Crampton was silent, and as Van Heldre looked at him he saw the great beads of perspiration were standing upon his face.
“Why, good heavens, Crampton,” he cried, “you have not breathed a word of all this to a soul?”
The old clerk looked at him wildly.
“Ah! you are keeping something back,” said Van Heldre.
“Hush, sir, hush!” cried the old clerk in alarm; “for goodness sake don’t be excited. Think of how weak you are.”
“Then answer,” said Van Heldre, in a low whisper. “Tell me what you have done.”