‘Extraordinary! But you were always peculiar in your views of things. To be sure, your views generally turned out to be the right ones. Everybody in the City is aware of that. But I do not see yet how my services can be of any use to you in this matter.’
‘The service I require will not be difficult to render. You have been for some years in correspondence with Mr Shield, and you know more about his affairs than any one in London except his solicitors. I want you to tell me all that you have learned regarding his intentions concerning Philip.’
‘That is easily done. I have learned absolutely nothing.’
Wrentham was quite cheerful again as he gave this reply.
Mr Hadleigh was disappointed: he was silent and thoughtful for a few moments. Then: ‘I begin to see his purpose.’
‘I should be glad if you would enlighten me,’ said Wrentham eagerly: ‘it might be useful to me.’
‘I am quite sure it will be. But first you must give me a full explanation of his affairs, so far as you are acquainted with them, and the nature of this business which has brought him such sudden wealth, and which he is at so much pains to keep secret.’
Wrentham’s cheerfulness disappeared, and he rose uneasily.
‘I am sorry, Mr Hadleigh, that you should ask me for information which I am not at liberty to give.’
‘You mean that his business is of so much value that you cannot risk the loss of it?’