“I should greatly,” answered the promoter, and thus war was declared between them; and from that day forth Miss Hope began unintentionally playing into her enemy’s hands.
“Take care what you are about with that man, Arthur,” she entreated.
“My dear aunt, I am much obliged to you for your kindness, but I believe I can manage my own affairs,” he returned.
“Heather, you must speak to Arthur,” she then declared; “if you do not speak, you will one day repent your weakness.”
“But I am afraid of vexing him,” Mrs. Dudley objected.
“Vex, nonsense; better vex him than lose every sixpence you have in the world.”
“Do you think my speaking likely to do any good?”
“It cannot do any harm;” and thus exhorted, Heather inquired,—
“Have you any intention, Arthur, of—of going into business?”
“Business,” he repeated; “what in the world put such an idea as that into your mind?”