“I’m afraid there’s some truth in that,” Osborne admitted with a smile.
Jimmy left the house the next morning, and soon after he opened his modest office in Vancouver Aynsley called on him.
“I’ve come to congratulate you, first of all,” he said. “No doubt, you know you are an exceptionally lucky man.”
“I’m convinced of it,” Jimmy answered. “But in a sense, you’re premature; I’m only on probation yet.”
He was conscious of some embarrassment, because he had learned from Clay about Aynsley’s affection for Ruth.
“Well, there’s another matter. We raft a good deal of lumber down to the sea for shipment, and now and then buy logs of special quality on the coast. I don’t see why you shouldn’t do our towing for us. I suppose you’re open for business?”
“We surely are.” Jimmy gave him a steady look. “You’re very generous in offering me a lift up.”
There was silence for a few moments, and then Aynsley smiled.
“I’ll admit that if I’d ever had a chance before you entered the field, I might have felt very bitter, but I know I hadn’t one from the first. As Ruth has taken you, I’m trying sincerely to wish you both happiness; and, if you don’t mind my putting it so, I’ve a feeling that she might have chosen worse.”
“Thank you!”