“You are, I’m aware, a reckless gamester, but I would not advise your hazarding any considerable sum on that chance!” replied Carlyon caustically.
Francis smiled but said nothing. Carlyon bent and set another log on the fire and watched the flames curl round it. “Well, and now?”
Francis sighed. “I am quite in your hands, my dear Carlyon.”
Carlyon directed a frowning look at him. “Do you expect me to give that memorandum up to you?”
“You would be very wise to do so.” He saw the ironic gleam in Carlyon’s cool gray eyes and flung up a hand. “Oh, pray do not misunderstand me! Nothing could be further from my mind than offering you the least violence! No, no, I meant only to suggest that I can more readily restore that paper than can you. But as long as it is restored, and without scandal, I shall be excessively glad to be rid of it.”
“To be frank with you, so shall I!” said Carlyon.
“My dear Edward, I never doubted that for an instant. How pleasant it is to discard our reserve! Tell me, do you think we might safely entrust it to your brother John, or is he no longer with you?”
“He is here. I do not know what he will say to this, but I will not act in the matter without his sanction. You will not object to my sending for him.”
“By all means send for him!” said Francis cordially.
Carlyon stepped up to the bellpull and tugged it. “Have you dined?” he asked.