Ledward summoned a waitress, and the food she brought was good. But for two gentlemen at the other end, the big room was quiet, and Evelyn began to talk carelessly.
“You are Mrs. Carson’s relation, and she was a Netherdale Loreburn,” she said after a time. “The Carsons are another type. Do you know much about them?”
“I know something about Jasper Carson. It looks as if he interested you!”
“People do interest me, and Jasper’s a commanding figure,” Evelyn agreed in a thoughtful voice. “Sometimes I imagine he rules us, but I mustn’t be fanciful—Kit claimed his independence and defied his uncle.”
“I wonder,” said Ledward. “Jasper likes control and people go where he wants. However, all I really know about the Carsons is: Jasper’s grandfather was a blacksmith; he started a little machine shop and mended things for Lancashire cotton mills. He obviously got rich, for his son, Thomas Carson, built a foundry, and afterwards a forge. Canada was developing and for some time bought iron goods in England. The Carsons cultivated the trade and Canadian manufacturers liked their stuff. Since then they have speculated in Canadian industries. The connection between some English families and the Dominions is rather remarkable——”
“Mrs. Carson’s lot go to India,” said Evelyn. “But please don’t stop.”
“Thomas Carson had three sons. Jasper got the forge, which is now famous; Alan, for a time, carried on the foundry; Kit’s father went to a shipyard and married a concert singer. When he died he was poor. In fact, only Jasper seems to have inherited the blacksmith’s talent.”
“Nothing indicates that Jasper’s ancestor was a blacksmith.”
“Oh, well,” said Ledward, “the old fellow’s cultivated and his friends are famous steelmakers and engineers. All the same, sometimes one senses the Lancashire workman’s vein. I think my aunt does so, and Jasper knows. On the whole, I expect he’s amused, but his springing from the old Lancashire radical may account for some antagonism. Anyhow, I am cautious, although he’s a just, and rather kind, employer. Well, I mustn’t bore you! The theatre is shut, but I see a good picture advertised. Should we look in?”
“Let’s go,” said Evelyn. “Mother would not approve, but after Netherdale the cinema’s exciting.”