That was not exactly what Mr. Ely had said but no matter.
"Lily Truscott's a girl in a thousand--in million, sir. I know her--I know her well. There's nothing in that girl's heart which is hidden from me, and that girl's heart's all good, and that's something to say of a girl at this time of day. If she were my daughter, and I were her father, there's no man to whom I should be more willing to give her, sir, than you. Take her, sir; take her! and I wish you joy!"
He turned away, but whether it was to hide a tear or even some deeper sign of heartfelt emotion, is a difficult thing to say. Mr. Ely did not appear much touched.
"That's the time of day, old man. You send her along a line to say I'm on the road; prepare her mind, you know."
If Mr. Ash did not know, at least Mr. Ely winked.
"I'll be up in time. If you write to her now, she'll get it the first thing in the morning, and she'll have time to settle herself before I come. Ta, ta! See you in the house!"
Mr. Ely moved towards the door. Mr. Ash spoke to him just as he reached it.
"How about that Erie syndicate?"
Mr. Ely paused. He stared steadily at Mr. Ash's back.
For some reason Mr. Ash continued with his back turned away.