“No, sir; I wish I did, for several people have asked me, as he has been cutting rather a queer figure at the Crystal Palace lately, gentlemen, which you might have heard about?”
“Now,” said Mr Goodall, with a fixed look at the photographer, “you go down and have some refreshment whilst I have a chat with my nephew.”
“Much obliged, I’m sure, sir.”
“You, Harry, must buy the negative of this affair, and so prevent anything approaching to publicity; and if you attach no value to these photos, I do. There is one for you and I will keep the other, and here’s some extra cash to square the artist with, but don’t lose sight of him until you reach Sydenham, and make the best arrangement you can; that being done, do, my dear Harry, bring your travels in the air to a close. I am not without hope that you will yet make your mark in the world; in fact, you have done so already. If you are pledged to make these ascents, do so, dear boy, and then do something more congenial to my taste, for I will not hide from you that the accident to your father may prove a turning point to the fortunes of our firm, and that is why I wish to impress on you the great issues which may follow your decision as to giving up ballooning and seeking an alliance with Miss Dove.”
“When will this messenger from the pater come to see me, uncle?”
“I cannot answer that question off-hand. He may have been to the Palace without your knowing it; but be guarded, Harry; he may not be a well-wisher to you, after all.”
“Do you think the photo of the downcast man in the boat is like Mr Falcon?”
“I can’t say for certain until I have studied the photo more closely. There is some resemblance to the Sydney financier; at the same time, his figure is something like our friend Captain Link’s, though his expression of face is not so noble. I am rather puzzled to know what his movements have been down at Wedwell Hall. He has been to see the Doves on some monetary affairs, and I should have been glad to hear that you had been there as well. However, it would be of little use, I feel sure, for you to go there until you cut ballooning and join us in the City.”
“I will think seriously of what you have said, uncle, but I will make no promises.”
“Better not, Harry, if you would be likely to break them. I want performances not promises, and I have faith in you yet; that is, if you do not drift into the extreme flightiness of the days in which we live.”