‘Of course—of course, his business is of some importance to us, although, as I have already mentioned, he has not treated us quite so liberally as we think he ought to have done. Besides, we have only a small part of his patronage.’
‘All the same you would not like to lose it?’
‘Well, not unless something better offered itself,’ replied Wrentham, recovering a degree of his jaunty manner, as he recollected that he was speaking to the head of a great firm whose influence might bring him thousands a year. It would never do to display to such a man either too much weakness or too much indifference.
‘But if that something better did not present itself, you would be sorry to lose the connection. I suppose it is necessary to tell you what my surmise is as to his intentions. He intends to establish Philip as his sole representative in England, and everything will be taken out of your hands. I may be able to help you, if you will give me the information which will put it in my power to do so.’
Wrentham walked to the window, stared at the blank wall opposite, and frowned at it.
Mr Hadleigh smiled at his evident alarm, and attempted to relieve it.
‘You need not be afraid to trust me; I am not inviting you to enter into a conspiracy against Mr Shield. I have no evil design in my inquiries.’
‘I am sure of that,’ responded Wrentham, wheeling round. Every sign of alarm had vanished from his visage. ‘But of what use could the information be to you? Giving it might do me a great deal of harm, whilst it could not serve you.’
‘Of that you cannot judge. But we need not discuss the point further at present. Take time and consider. Meanwhile, you can have no objection to do this for me—telegraph to him that you learn from me that Philip goes out to him against my will.’
‘It shall be done immediately, and I will bring you the answer myself.’