“Beg pardon. But I’m always saying what I should not, or putting the right things backward. There are some affairs ‘not mentioned in the bond’: my artist’s outfit, these clothes, boots, and other matters. I want to pay the cost of them. Indeed, I must. You must allow me, as you would any other man.”
The woodlander hesitated a moment as if he were considering. He would have preferred no return for anything, but again that effort to be wholly just influenced him.
“For the clothing, if you so desire, certainly. Here, in this account book, is a price list of all such articles as I buy. We will deduct that much. But I hope, in consideration of the pleasure that your talent has given me, that you will accept the painting stuff I so gladly provided. If you choose, also, you may leave a small gift for Angelique. Come. Pride is commendable, but not always.”
“Very well. Thank you, then, for your gift. Now, the price list.”
It had been a gratification to Mr. Dutton that Adrian had never worn the suits of clothing which he had laid out ready for use on that morning after his arrival at the island. The lad had preferred the rougher costume suited to the woods, and still wore it.
In a few moments the small business transactions were settled, and Adrian rose.
“I would like to bid Margot good-by. But, I suppose, she has gone to bed.”
“Yes. I will give her your message. There is always a pain in parting, and you two have been much together. I would spare her as much as I can. Angelique has packed a basket of food and Pierre is on the beach with his canoe. He may go as far with you as you desire, and you must pay him nothing for his service. He is already paid, though his greed might make him despoil you, if he could. Good-by. I wish you well.”
Mr. Dutton had also risen, and as he moved forward into the lamplight, Adrian noticed how much altered for the worse was his physical bearing. The man seemed to have aged many years, and his fine head was now snow-white. He half extended his hand, in response to the lad’s proffered clasp, then dropped it to his side. He hoped that the departing guest had not observed this inhospitable movement—but he had. Possibly, it helped him over an awkward moment, by touching his pride afresh.
“Good-by, sir, and again—thank you. For the present, that is all I can do. Yet I have heard it was not so big a world, after all, and my chance may come. I’ll get my traps from my room, if you please, and one or two little drawings as souvenirs. I’ll not be long.”