“Well—er—you—that is—” Guy began. Then he lapsed into silence. “I wanted to ask you something,” he blurted out.
Wallace cleared his throat; a faint twinkle appeared in his left eye. “Well, what is it?”
“The fact is, sir, I want to ask—well, to ask a favor of you.” Perspiration stood on Guy’s forehead.
“Young man, I hope you haven’t got into any money difficulties? Well, I shouldn’t be surprised if you had. In this political business of yours, you people seem to do nothing but spend money. By Jove! I sometimes think it would pay the country to rent out the Government to a firm of contractors. Well, what is it? Don’t be afraid of me; I’m not half so bad as I sound. If you’ve got into trouble, perhaps I can help you out.”
“Thank you, sir, you’re very kind,” Guy replied. “I appreciate it. But it isn’t that.”
“Oh, isn’t it?” Wallace said, in a tone of relief. “Well, that’s all right, then.” He acted as if the interview were ended. He had the air of thinking Guy no longer remained in the room.
Guy laughed awkwardly, as if to emphasize his presence. “It’s something a good deal more serious.”
“Oho!” Wallace looked interested.
“It isn’t your money I’m after. It’s Fanny.”
“Fanny! My little Fanny?” asked Wallace, in a tone of amusement and surprise.