‘Gilbert would be a better spec. for her now,’ said Roger bitterly, within himself. ‘Only, not to blacken him more than is absolutely necessary, he never had the faintest fancy for her. In fact, I don’t believe he would take her with fifty thousand down.’
Towards ten o’clock Michael came in, greeted them both with great composure, took his accustomed chair, lighted his pipe, and made some few observations to them before they all went to bed. He made not the slightest allusion to what had taken place in the morning, and Roger did not choose or wish to break upon this reserve: the little doctor did not dare. He found, what he had never suspected before, that his adopted son had the power of holding him at arm’s length, and while he could not but admire what seemed to him Michael’s strength and self-possession, he was not quite happy at finding it thus, as it were, used against himself. This dry-eyed composure, this something indescribable in voice and glance, were, thought the doctor, magnificent, but they did not invite to the sentimental reflections of which he was longing to disburden himself.
They separated at their usual hour, and no one complained the next morning of not having slept, though under Michael’s eyes there were ominous purple rings which told of his having enjoyed something less than perfect repose.
Roger got a few words alone with him before breakfast.
‘Michael, I want to speak to you. After what has happened, I don’t see how I can stay on at the factories. I don’t fancy being mixed up with those two, when you are my friend.’
Michael paused a moment. ‘I understand what you mean,’ said he. ‘You are loyal, Roger, at any rate. But there is no need for you to feel like that. It is entirely between him and me, and not another soul in the world, if you know what I mean. I know what you feel, and I believe I should feel the same in your place; but can you make a sacrifice for my sake?’
‘I daresay I could, if I knew what it was.’
‘It is, just to remain where you are. I don’t want any one to notice it for me. I can notice things for myself—such things as I wish noticing.’
‘Oh, that settles the matter, of course,’ said Roger. ‘I shall stay—unless they sack me.’
At that moment a note was brought to Michael. He opened and read it very quickly, and then tossed it across to Roger.