"But there was the verdict!"
"The verdict? My uncle was not a man to kill himself for a shadow; there might be a better reason. Say nothing to your father; I wish to impute nothing against my uncle's credit; but at one time it seemed just possible that he had done it, because he knew he was ruined, to save himself from shame, dishonour. We had to find out, to be certain, to make sure; we went all through the books; we went through everything; we were at it till the small hours of the morning."
"My dear! Did they tell you I had called?"
"Did they not! When I heard it I wished that I could have flown to you on a flying machine; but it was impossible."
"But papa tells me that you talk about going to the office every day this week."
"Stella, let me put a case. Suppose Mr. Austin were my uncle, and he had done what my uncle did, and everything were at sixes and sevens, and all the help was wanted that could be got, what would you think of me if I were to cut and run--it would amount to that!--even for the sake of the best and sweetest and prettiest and dearest girl in the world--meaning you?"
"That's all very well, Rodney; but I asked papa if he thought you really had to go--if you ought to go; and he said that so far as he could make out there wasn't the least necessity why you should ever set foot in the office again."
"Your father said that?"
"And I believe he's been making inquiries."
"Has he? When I see your father I shall have to tell him that this is a matter in which I am afraid I shall have to use my own judgment."