“The shipyard people are a shabby, unjust lot,” Evelyn resumed. “Their thinking you dishonest is ridiculous. I’m glad you have done with them.”
“I don’t know if it’s much comfort,” Kit remarked with some dryness, for he dared not indulge the thrill he got. “Since Colvin has turned me down there’s not much use in my trying for a post at another yard.”
“But might not the company’s competitors——?”
“No!” said Kit firmly. “If they employed me they’d expect to get some useful hints about the others’ tools and models. Besides, it would look as if I had cheated and had got my reward.”
“Oh, well, you’re rather noble, but I’d like Colvin to pay. He has made you suffer, and I hate the fellow. But you musn’t own you’re beaten. We’ll find a way out.”
Kit hesitated. As a rule Evelyn maintained a baffling reserve. Now she talked as if he were her acknowledged lover and he got a hint of passion. Her voice trembled, and although the light was going he saw her color was high. Well, she was a girl, and for her sake he must be firm.
“In England I’m done for. Perhaps I could get a Canadian engagement; I mean to see if it’s possible.”
“But if you go to Canada you may stay long.”
“I may stay for good,” said Kit drearily. “My relations think I’ve humiliated them, and I can’t take their help. In fact, but for Alan I doubt if they’re keen to help. Then Alan’s money is his wife’s, and Mrs. Carson will force him to leave me alone. She has, of course, some grounds——”
“When you’re romantic I like you better,” Evelyn remarked. “Not long ago you wanted to take the road and play the lute. Perhaps you didn’t know you moved me then, but I was moved. Now you’re horribly practical——”