Mr. Greenwood received the Italian noble with more than usual affability and apparent friendship.
"I am delighted to inform you, my dear count," he said, when they were both seated, "that our enterprise is progressing well. I yesterday received a letter from a certain capitalist to whom I applied relative to the loan of two hundred thousand pounds which I informed you it was necessary to raise to carry out our undertaking, in addition to the capital which you and I have both subscribed; and I have no doubt that I shall succeed in this point. Indeed, he is to send me his decision this very morning."
"Then I hope that at length the Company is definitively formed?" said the count.
"Definitively," answered Mr. Greenwood.
"And the deed by which you guarantee to me the safety of the money I have embarked, let the event be what it may?" said the count.
"That will be ready to-morrow evening. Can you dine with me to-morrow, and terminate that portion of the business after dinner? My solicitor will send the deed hither by one of his clerks at half-past eight o'clock."
"With pleasure," said the count, evidently pleased at this arrangement.
"There has been some delay," said Mr. Greenwood; "but really the fault has not existed with me."
"You will excuse my anxiety in this respect: indeed, I have probably pressed you more than I ought for the completion of that security; but you will remember that I have embarked my all in this enterprise."
"Do not attempt an apology. You have acted as a man of prudence and caution; and you will find that I shall behave as a man of business."