“Yes, I will do this gladly—in fact, it would relieve my mind to do this in the most cordial terms, but I would be interested first in learning just what disposition of it was intended——”
“It would be mine,” said Bellair. “Of course, I should use it as I thought fit.”
“I was thinking—in adjusting the tone of the letter, the wording, you know——”
“Adjust the tone—the wording—to the facts—that would seem best. But I would not accept such a letter from you personally. It would have to be written for Lot & Company——”
Mr. Nathan now showed signs of coming back.
“Let us have a day to think it over, Bellair,” he said.
“In that case—my part is finished. I have asked to be lifted out of a shameful position. You acknowledge that I have this lift coming.” It was at this point that an inspiration arrived. “All that there is left, naturally and equitably, is for you to do your part. A man’s name is of more importance than a firm’s name, and in any event, no man nor firm was ever hurt by squaring a crooked action.”
Mr. Nathan appeared to welcome the slight heat of this remark. It brought the moment nearer in which hands might be washed and the attorney summoned. But Bellair was not heated, Mr. Rawter fumed a little.
“What do you mean by a man’s name being more important than a firm’s name?” he demanded.
“A firm shares its responsibility. A man shoulders it alone.”