“He offered to consolidate all the copper interests of the country and put me at the head of the resulting combine.”
“If you wouldn’t play bridge with Mrs. Harley?”
“Exactly.”
“And you?”
“Declined to pledge myself.”
She clapped her hands softly. “Well done, Waring Ridgway! There are times when you are magnificent, when I could put you on a pedestal, you great big, unafraid man. But you mustn’t play with her, just the same.”
“Why mustn’t I?”
“For her sake.”
He frowned past her into space, his tight-shut jaw standing out saliently. “You’re right, Virginia. I’ve been thinking so myself. I’ll keep off the grass,” he said, at last.
“You’re a good fellow,” slipped out impulsively.