“So—so,” answered Eliphalet. “But I will say that I done something for the Colonel. I've saved him a hundred times my pay since I showed old Hood the leaks. And I got a thousand dollar order from Wright & Company this week for him.”
“I dare say you'd keep a tight hand enough on expenses,” said Miss Crane, half in sarcasm, half in approval.
“If Colonel Carvel was doin' business in New England,” said Eliphalet, “he'd been bankrupt long ago.”
“That young Clarence Colfax,” Mrs. Abner Reed broke in, “he'll get a right smart mint o' money when he marries Virginia. They do say her mother left her independent. How now, Mr. Hopper?”
Eliphalet looked mysterious and knowing. He did not reply.
“And young Colfax ain't precisely a pauper,” said Miss Crane.
“I'll risk a good deal that she don't marry Colfax,” said Mr. Hopper.
“What on earth do you mean?” cried Mrs. Abner. “It ain't broke off?”
“No,” he answered, “it ain't broke off. But I callate she won't have him when the time comes. She's got too much sense.”
Heavy at heart, Stephen climbed the stairs, thanking heaven that he had not been drawn into the controversy. A partial comprehension of Mr. Hopper was dawning upon him. He suspected that gentleman of an aggressive determination to achieve wealth, and the power which comes with it, for the purpose of using that power upon those beneath him. Nay, when he thought over his conversation, he suspected him of more,—of the intention to marry Virginia Carvel.