So, very straightforwardly, Barnabas told Andrew Miss Mason’s scheme for the Wonderful Chance. When he had ended Andrew looked at him with an expression of dumb happiness in his eyes.
“You’ll be meanin’——?” he said. “You were thinkin’ to offer the chance to me?”
“If you care to take it,” said Barnabas. “What do you think?”
“I’m maist obleeged,” said Andrew, and he lapsed into silence.
“Very well, then,” said Miss Mason gruffly, “it’s settled. Mr. Kirby will make all arrangements with you.” And she too became silent.
It was not at all the kind of interview Barnabas had intended. He felt Miss Mason to be almost tiresomely gruff, and his protégé almost ungrateful.
At last Andrew heaved himself out of his chair.
“I’ll be leavin’,” he said. He held out his hand to Miss Mason. “I’m maist obleeged,” he said again.
“That’s all right,” said Miss Mason gruffly.
Barnabas went out into the little garden with Andrew.