The status which he held in the firm was that of the office partner, and he was also authorized to draw one thousand dollars per month. “If you need anything else, apply to me directly,” was Mrs. Willoughby’s quiet order. Anxious not to show even the faintest eagerness, he was passively contented, allowing his patroness to make the game. And yet he always watched her, lynx-eyed.
“My duties,” he had simply demanded.
“You are for the present to confer alone with Mr. Wyman,” answered Elaine. “The books and cash will be in the sole keeping of young Noel Endicott. I may say that he alone will sign the firm’s checks and the balance sheets will be privately rendered by him to Judge Endicott, who represents me, as well as the power behind your new associate, Mr. Wyman.
“You are to carry on the current business in agreement with Wyman. Both of you will have access to all the customers’ ledgers, but the conditions of your continuance as a broker is that only a strictly ‘commission business’ shall be carried on. And, above all things, silence and discretion.”
“In other words,” slowly said Vreeland, “Judge Endicott is really the responsible holder of the firm’s assets.”
“Precisely so,” smiled Elaine. “His only nephew is the cashier and the head bookkeeper has been named by the other principal.”
“Am I to confer as to details with Judge Endicott?” was Vreeland’s last query.
“Only with me,” she smiled. “You are to be my own knight, and I lay this last injunction on you: Business is never to be mentioned to me save in our daily interview of affairs. My social hours are sacred.” He bowed and smiled.
“If anything of moment should occur,” he murmured.
“You will be held harmless,” she smiled. “Obey orders, if you break owners.”