“No,” said Clare. “In a sense, it could make no difference to me.”
“Very well. I intend to call on your father now and then. Of course, you needn’t see me unless you like, though since I am coming, your keeping out of the way wouldn’t do much good.”
Clare made a gesture of helpless protest. “Why won’t you be warned? Can’t you understand? Do you think it is easy for me to try——”
“I don’t,” said Jake. “I know it’s very hard. I think you’re mistaken about the necessity for interfering; that’s all.” Then he paused and resumed in a different tone: “You see, I imagine that you must feel lonely at times, and that you might need a friend. I dare say you’d find me better than none, and I’d like to know that I’ll have an opportunity of being around if I’m wanted.”
He gave her a quiet, respectful glance, and Clare knew she had never liked him so much. He looked trustworthy, and it was a relief to note that there was no hint of anything but sympathy in his eyes and voice. He asked nothing but permission to protect her if there was need. Moreover, since they had been forced to tread on dangerous ground, he had handled the situation with courage. She might require a friend, and his honest sympathy was refreshing by contrast with the attitude of her father’s companions. Some were hard and cynical and some were dissipated, but all were stamped by a repugnant greediness. They sought something: money, the gratification of base desires, success in dark intrigue. Jake with his chivalrous generosity stood far apart from them; but he must be saved from becoming like them.
“If I knew how I could keep you away, I would do so, but I can, at least, see you as seldom as possible,” she said and left him.
Jake knitted his brows as he went on to Kenwardine’s room. He understood Clare’s motive, and admitted that she meant well, but he was not going to stop away because she thought this better for him. There was, however, another matter that demanded his attention and he felt awkward when Kenwardine opened the door.
“It’s some time since you have been to see us,” the latter remarked.
“It is,” said Jake. “Perhaps you can understand that I felt rather shy about coming after the way my partner arranged the matter of the check.”
“He arranged it to your advantage, and you ought to be satisfied. Mr. Brandon is obviously a business man.”