John smiles, and Aleck groans—groans because he has been able to peep behind the scenes and see what dénouements are in store. It is just as though he has read the concluding chapter of the novel first, and knows all the while, no matter how ardent the love scenes, that Edmond never marries Juliet, who dies before the happy consummation of their vows; and having this previous knowledge, he cannot take the interest in the thrilling scenes that would naturally be expected.
“Father, you forget I am no longer a boy—that I have spent years in the West, where fortunes are made and lost even more rapidly than in Chicago. If fifty thousand dollars will be of use to you——”
“John—reflect, boy!”
“I can put it at your service, sir.”
“Good God! don’t arouse any false hopes, my dear boy—a second shock would kill me,” says the old speculator, struggling out of his chair and standing there with one clenched hand upon the library table, a picture of intense, strained eagerness. Every eye is glued upon the face of the man from Denver, who smiles in a way that is reassuring.
“I am making sure of what I say, sir, and I repeat it. Circumstances enable me to offer you the amount you need. Will you accept?”
“Now—do you mean at once?” asks his father.
“At any time. I can get you the money as soon as business opens in the morning. It can be wired on to this man in plenty of time to secure you the deciding share.”
“Dorothy, are you there, child?”
“Yes, yes, father. What can I do for you,” flying to his side so eagerly.