“You were certainly never intended for a sportsman,” said Randolph dryly. “I have written to mother to urge you to return with us. And as for the other matter, we’ll see to it when we get there——”
“I am serious about that. I love the Abbey. I should think I had been born to some purpose if I could save it. And I look upon it as almost my mission; for should Cecil lose it, it would be through me. I’d never forgive myself.”
“It strikes me that Cecil would have no one to blame but himself. He was no raw stripling when he married you, but a man with a remarkably mature mind——”
“But he was frightfully in love.”
“And never wiser. However, if you wish to make the Abbey your mission in life you can command my services, as always. I will take the matter in hand as soon as I get back.”
“Will you?”
“Yes, but you must come too. It takes a month to get a letter answered from here, and business secrets cannot be cabled.”
“I will go then. A double object gives me double courage. But I’ve bored you long enough. You listen to my woes by the yard, and you never talk about yourself except to amuse me——”
“I came to England for no other purpose but to see you and to hear you talk.”
“Well, I can tell you then, that you were inspired by the real missionary spirit, for I needed you badly.”