“Is it possible?” said Standish, his eyes sparkling. “Then he is a very rich man. Where did he get his money?”
“It was left him by his uncle. But for my father he would have been disinherited.”
“That is why you call it a debt of honor?”
“Yes.”
“He hasn’t done the fair thing, I must confess. Let anybody secure me an inheritance of three hundred thousand dollars, and I won’t haggle about paying a twenty thousand dollar fee.”
“I am sorry Mr. Wentworth’s sentiments are not as liberal as yours.”
“Exactly so. I would have treated your father a great deal better. Mr. Wentworth is evidently a mean man. Still he is my employer and I must do what I can for him. Still my sympathies are with you.”
“You have played me a mean trick, Mr. Standish.”
“I admit it, but it isn’t my fault. My poverty, and not my will, consents. However, we are losing time. Will you do me the favor of handing me the papers?”
“Do you insist upon it?” asked Gerald in apparent mortification.