“That will do, and I warn you that if you get speculating in any way over the shares of this company, it will be on your own knowledge. Take my advice, Jessop: leave me and my affairs alone, and, above all, leave this place to-morrow. If you do not, I shall be compelled to tell Major Gurdon that he is harbouring a treacherous scoundrel beneath his roof.”
“Two can play at that game, Master Clive. What if I give the Major a few words of warning concerning his daughter?”
“As many as you please, sir. He will choose between us,” said Clive sternly.
“Not gammoning the poor old man into taking shares, are you?”
Clive, gave so sudden a look that his brother laughed.
“All right! I thought as much, my lad. Then you won’t shake hands?”
Clive turned his back and walked into the cottage, gazing at Dinah with a newly awakened interest aroused by his brother’s words.
Yes, she was very beautiful—it was the sad, pensive beauty of one who had known trouble, and a curious sensation attacked Clive as he listened to the Major, and then felt angry and ready to oppose. For the Major said—
“Go and talk to our visitor, my dear. Show him the garden while Mr Clive Reed and I settle a little business.”
Dinah smiled and went out. The next minute she walked by the window with Jessop, making the blood flush up into Clive’s face, as he now felt a shrinking regarding the taking of the money for the shares.