‘Touch me again,’ he shouted, ‘and I’ll have you kicked out of the house, you dirty adventurer! Gertie put me up to your tricks. Gertie’s a good girl, and I’ve married Gertie. There now! how do you like it?’
For a moment Gurth stood staring in blank surprise at the drunken man. Was this truth, or was it a tipsy boast? With a supreme effort he conquered his anger, and sat down quietly opposite his cousin.
‘I congratulate you, Ralph,’ he said; ‘you might have done much worse.’
‘Damn your compliments!’ muttered Ralph, reaching across to the brandy bottle, and pouring out half a tumblerful. ‘Keep ‘em! I married Gertie to settle your hash. We’ve been married six months, and to-morrow I’m going to make it public. She’s a jolly good girl,’ he added, with a maudlin softness in his voice, ‘and it’s my duty to let her position be known. She’s my lawful wife, Gurth Egerton, and you can say good-bye to my money, old fellow. Better luck next time.’
With which compliment Ralph tossed off the brandy, and rolled his eyes about more wildly than ever.
Gurth Egerton bit his lip and turned his face away lest Ralph should see how white it was.
He was convinced that the drunkard spoke the truth, and he saw that his hopes were shattered. Ralph was married, and he would have children. Much in Gertie’s conduct lately was clear as the noon to him now, and he understood why lately she had kept out of the way when the men were about.
His worst fears were realized. Ralph Egerton had swept fortune from him just as it seemed within his grasp.
The pair sat in silence for full five minutes. In those five minutes a daring scheme had matured itself in the brain of the one.
‘Ralph, old boy,’ said Gurth, ‘shake hands. I’m sorry we’ve quarrelled. If I can do anything to help you and Gertie I will.