“It seems to me that Mr. Palliser is right,” he said. “The land is yours, anyway, and you would only hurt him by not taking it.”
Tony raised his head, and looked at him gratefully. “Thank you, sir,” he said. “It would hurt me, Bernard.”
Appleby smiled a little, though it apparently cost him an effort. “Well,” he said, “I’m not burdened with money yet, and I think you can afford it.”
A light crept into Tony’s eyes. “That is one thing accomplished. When will you come back?”
“I don’t quite know. I may find an opportunity in a year or two.”
“You must come now.”
“I can’t.”
“You must,” said Tony, almost hoarsely. “Bernard, can’t you see that to bring you over, and to prove that I have made amends is the last chance for me?”
“The last chance. You must be more explicit, Tony.”
They were both apparently oblivious of the fact that Harding was watching them, and Tony’s voice trembled a little with eagerness.