“That you must hasten your marriage. There are other things in life beside making money. Of course, I have confided only in you. Potter can not trust himself—and so, I can not trust him with the secrets of any of my financial movements. You are the one young Napoleon of your firm.
“So, if you really wish to go abroad, then make Alida a June bride. I shall avoid touching the Street till late in October—and then, when your European tour is over, I shall be able to take up the game of pitch and toss again.”
He was conscious that she was keenly watching him. “Of course,” he slowly said, “it gives me all the time I want. I was really concerned about your interests. It is a good plan, and I may be able to get Vreeland to play amateur banker in my place for a few months. Potter and he seem to fancy each other. I’ll talk to Alida. This will probably suit her wishes.” It all looked fair enough, and yet—his bosom was filled with a vague alarm.
“I have already selected my present, Fred,” merrily said the Queen of the Street. “Take time by the forelock, and give up these lovely summer months to young love.” The broker’s eyes were gleaming as he said, “Can it be possible that you have gone out of Sugar on the eve of a ten per cent surplus dividend? I heard that inside rumor to-day. You know how dear to me all your interests are.”
He now felt that there was that behind the arras which was skillfully veiled from him. For her eyes were shining coldly over the smiling lips.
The dark-eyed woman simply said, “Tempt me not. I have promised Doctor Alberg to refrain.
“So, go and make yourself Benedick, the married man. It is the time of roses—you must pluck them as you pass. Come to me—when you have settled this matter. I will give you a social send-off at Lakemere worthy of ‘the high contracting parties.’”
Her voice was thrilling him now as of old, and yet, with all her kindness, he instinctively felt that something was going out of his life forever.
“It will be always the same between us, Elaine,” the young Napoleon murmured. She had risen and turned toward the door.
“Did you ever know me to change?” she softly said, as she glided out to begin a cordial tête-à