“I cannot say that I do,” replied Ernest with a smile, “for you have told me nothing in regard to your situation.”
“I have told you all I can, Ernest—all I can till that affair comes off—comes off.”
“What affair, Mr. Vanclure?”
“The engagement between you and Clara, of course, of course. I thought all would be over in a few weeks—yes, in a few weeks. But I fear there is a misunderstanding somewhere, and I thought there’d be no harm in finding out—in finding out, you see.”
“What is it you wish to find out, Mr. Vanclure?”
“Well, you see, I got a hint from Clara, a hint from Clara, and I thought I’d better find out,—better find out.”
“I am perfectly willing to give you any information in my possession,” said Ernest.
“I thought so, I thought so, and I’ll come to the point at once. You see it was a lawyer I wanted. A preacher and a lawyer are very different people. I could make no use of a preacher—no, sir, no use of a preacher, you understand?”
“I do not understand, Mr. Vanclure.”
“I got a hint from Clara—a hint from Clara, and I thought I’d better come, and find out about it, before it’s too late.”