“Do not curse God, but rather the dastard whose hand sent the blow.”
“Ah, you have heard?”
“Yes, it was in all the papers last year, you know. I have always felt the strangest sympathy for you, and if I can brighten one lonely hour, God knows I shall be glad.”
“I thank you. But do not think I am neglected. My wife has been all devotion, only her health could not bear the strain. She had to have some recreation, hence my wish for a companion. In fact, all three who have just left me have been angelic in their ministrations. My cousin, Mrs. Fleming, is untiring in her kindness. As for little Annette Janowitz, my wife’s dear friend, she is the kindest-hearted girl in the world. On the night I was shot she came to help Daisie and Lutie nurse me. She was as kind as a sister. When the doctor said I would live, she wept for joy. A week later, when the first hope of recovery was wrecked by my sudden shock of paralysis, she was inconsolable. She cried out that it must not be so, God would not be so cruel; and in her excitability she almost went into hysterics. She remained for weeks, and when her mother insisted on her coming home, we all missed her like a dear little sister. But since then we have her often with us, and her sympathy is very sweet and dear. She has been with us now a month, and Daisie says she has become a great belle and has many lovers.”
“Does—she show—any preference for any?” Reed Raymond asked, in a voice that was husky in spite of his efforts to make it careless.
“I do not know about that. But why are you standing all this while, my dear fellow? Sit down, and let us be sociable. Will you smoke?” ringing the bell. “Wine and cigars, Pierre,” to the attendant. “And now, do you really think you want to be my companion?”
“I wish it, above all things, Mr. Sherwood. Stern necessity forces me to apply for this place, and if you accept my services I shall do my best to deserve your patronage, believe me.”
The strong, eager voice impressed Royall very favorably, as Raymond hurried on:
“I have been a companion for Lord Werter several months, in fact, traveled with him all over the world, arriving in New York only a few days ago, and he permits me to refer you to him as to my reliability.”
“I should fancy that your position with him is more tempting than this with me?” Royall asked tentatively.