"We shall all be glad when the anxiety is over, but one can't help thinking that you men have the best of it now and then," she said. "At least you can work—while we can only sit still."
Forel smiled upon her. "Well," he said, without reflection, "there is one woman who has done a good deal for Somasco."
He saw his blunder next moment, for Alton rose up suddenly. "I would like to hear that again," he said.
Forel was manifestly uncomfortable, but he glanced towards Mrs.
Seaforth as he said, "I think Charley will back me up."
"Of course," said Seaforth, whose tone, however, chiefly expressed bewilderment; but Alton made a little forceful gesture.
"Pshaw!" he said. "You're fooling, Forel, and you would never disclose who your client was that lent us the money."
"No," said Forel resolutely. "Nor do I mean to. Sit down again,
Harry, and don't get fancying things."
Alton moved a pace forward with a dark flush in his face. "Forel," he said, "where did all those dollars come from?"
Forel looked almost abject, and in his desperation glanced towards
Nellie Seaforth.
"I think you had better tell him now," she said.