18/19 You have told me all that he could tell me, I daresay." "I believe I have." "Precisely. Therefore no possible good could come of an encounter between him and me, and I shall be glad if you will keep my name dark." "As you please, though I can see no reason for secrecy in the matter." "It is not a question of secrecy, but only of prudential reserve." "It may be as you wish," answered the old man, carelessly. "Good-night." He shook hands with his son, who departed without having broken bread in his father's house, a little dashed by the coldness of his reception, but not entirely without hope that some profit might arise to him out of this connection in the future. "I am convinced there has been a great fortune made in that dingy hole. Better that it should go to her than to a stranger. |