“I never wanted anything either he or you would have given me!” Theo said.
“No. I suppose it became an obsession with you, a madness! And lately — forgive me! — there was an added reason, was there not?”
He saw Theo fling up a hand, and was silent. After a pause, Theo said heavily: “And if I go to Jamaica — what then?”
“Oh!” Gervase said, smiling, “you will turn the property into a flourishing concern, and then, I have no doubt, you will yourself become a landowner there, and a prosperous one, for you were born to succeed, Theo!”
Theo gave one of his short laughs. “You are a strange creature, Gervase!”
“No, why? I remember only a cousin who took care of my interests, of whom I was fond. The rest will be forgotten.” He got up, as he heard the sound of horses on the carriage-sweep. “I think I had better go, or we shall have Martin coming to fetch me. The West Indian business shall be settled as speedily as I can contrive. Good-bye — and God speed!”
He left the room before Theo could reply. Martin was waiting for him below the steps, seated in his curricle. “I’ve told Theo’s man I’ll send over to fetch the bay tomorrow. I am going to drive you home!” Martin announced belligerently. “ I don’t want you laid up again, and you’re looking as queer as Dick’s hatband, let me tell you!”
“Thank you,” said Gervase meekly, climbing into the curricle.
“What did he say to you? Did he admit it?” Martin asked, setting the grays in motion.
“To tell the truth,” said Gervase, “we did not speak of it.”