But Caldwell hung back.
“I’d rather explain it first,” he said.
Already Roddy resented the fact that Caldwell was serving as the ambassador of Madame Rojas, and there was, besides, in his manner something which showed that in that service he was neither zealous nor loyal.
“Possibly Señora Rojas can do that herself,” said Roddy.
“No, she can’t!” returned Caldwell sharply, “because she doesn’t know, and we don’t mean to tell her. But I am going to tell you.”
“Better not!” warned Roddy.
“I’ll take the chance,” said Caldwell. His manner was conciliating, propitiatory. “I’ll take the chance,” he protested, “that when you learn the truth you won’t round on your own father. It isn’t natural, it isn’t human!”
“Caldwell on the Human Emotions!” exclaimed Roddy, grinning.
But Caldwell was too truly in earnest to be interrupted.
“Your father’s spending two millions to make Vega President,” he went on rapidly. “We’ve got to have him. We need him in our business. You think Rojas would make a better President. Maybe he would. But not for us. He’s too old-fashioned. He’s——”