“Humph!” he muttered. “So ’Bije was deep in that business, was he?”
“He was. Very deep indeed, I found out afterwards. And, I declare, I almost pitied him at the time. He acted as if his whole fortune was staked on the gamble. His hands shook, and the perspiration stood on his forehead as he talked. I felt as if I had been the means of ruining him. But of course, I hadn’t. He lived for some time after that, and, I understand, died a rich man.”
“Yes. He left what I’d call a heap of money. My nephew and niece don’t seem to think so, but I do.”
“So you see, Captain, why I stopped calling on the Warrens, and why I did not accept Miss Warren’s invitation.”
“I see.... I see.... And yet I don’t know. ’Bije may have took to you for business reasons, but the children didn’t. They liked you for yourself. Caroline as much as said so. And their father never told ’em a word about the row, neither. Of course you couldn’t have called when he was alive, but he’s gone, and I’m—well, I’m sort of temporary skipper there now. And I want you to come.”
“But if Miss Warren did know? She should know, I think.”
“I ain’t sure that she should. I guess there’s consider’ble in her pa’s life she ain’t acquainted with. And she’s as straight and honest and upright as a schooner’s fo’mast. You did nothin’ to be ’shamed of. It’s the other way ’round, ’cordin’ to my notion. But leave her out of it now. I’ve sacrificed some few things to take the job I’ve got at present, but I can’t afford to sacrifice my friends. I count on you as a friend, and I want you to come and see me. Will you?”
“I don’t know, Captain Warren. I must think it over a while, I guess.”
“All right—think. But the invitation stands—my invitation. And, if you want to shift responsibility, shift it on to me. Some day, if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll tell Caroline and Stevie the whole story. But I want them to know you and the world—and me—a little better first. ’Cordin’ to my notion, they need education just along that line. They’ve got teachers in other branches, but.... There! I’ve got to be goin’. There’s the dinner bell now.”
The string of Japanese gongs, hung in the lower hall, sounded sonorously. Captain Elisha reached for his coat and hat, but Pearson caught his arm.