“Is your—young charge quite well?” sneered Learmont.
“Quite,” said Gray.
“Then you refuse to aid me in the destruction of this Hartleton?”
“I do. I am content with what I have done in so far as it entitles me to your gratitude—your substantial gratitude.”
“Be it so then. I will, however, consider more deeply your proposal regarding a large sum of money at once. And—and if you will come to me, say, to-morrow, I will let you know, more at large, my thoughts upon that subject.”
“I will come to-morrow,” said Gray.
“In the morning?”
“I do not know—but it will be morning or evening. Give me now twenty pounds.”
“Twenty?”
“Yes. ’Tis a small sum, Squire Learmont. Look at the enjoyments that surround you—your house—your carriages—your servants—rich wines! Ah! Squire, you need not start at twenty pounds to Jacob Gray. Happy man!”