He could not
have asked for anything more to his taste.
"I was fortunate enough to discover by your conversation how high a
ground you take in such matters, and how entirely disinterested you are.
You may have observed that I was short and almost rude with you at
first. I have had reason to fear and suspect all chance friendships.
Too often they have proved to be carefully planned beforehand, with some
sordid object in view. Good heavens, what stories I could tell you!
A lady pursued by a bull--I have risked my life to save her, and have
learned afterwards that the scene had been arranged by the mother as
an effective introduction, and that the bull had been hired by the hour.
But I won't shake your faith in human nature. I have had some rude
shocks myself. I look, perhaps, with a jaundiced eye on all who come
near me. It is the more needful that I should have one whom I can trust
to advise me."
"If you will only show me where my opinion can be of any use I shall be
most happy," said Robert. "My people come from Birmingham, but I know
most of the folk here and their position."
"That is just what I want. Money can do so much good, and it may do so
much harm. I shall consult you when I am in doubt. By the way, there
is one small question which I might ask you now.
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