“It is not for me to make any suggestions in the premises, my dear fellow. You are a man of honour. You have made a mistake which involves the happiness of an innocent person. I have put the matter before you with a plainness which is, I think, exceptional. The next move must rest with you.”
“Where are you stopping?”
“At the Grand Hotel.”
“Then, with your permission, I shall have the pleasure of calling upon Miss Beck to-morrow afternoon at four o’clock, if that hour is convenient.”
The stout Colonel, with visible emotion, clasped Steele warmly by the hand. “You are a good fellow!” he said. “When you meet my niece, you will let no hint escape you of this conversation?”
“Most assuredly not.”
“I came to see you,” continued the Colonel, “about the Northern Pacific stock, remember that, and, of course, you call on her for old friendship’s sake on learning she is here with me.”
“You may rely upon my tact, Colonel.”
His mission accomplished, the Colonel seemed to hesitate between going or staying, his attitude that of a man wondering whether it is better to leave well alone or to proceed further. Finally he said: “By the way, Steele, in order that we may make our conference the more legitimate, how about that Northern Pacific stock of yours? I am willing to buy it outright, or to sell it for you, just as you choose.”
“I am not quite in a position to sell at the present moment, Colonel.”