CHAPTER V.
LAURA'S REQUEST.
That night after supper Robert McIntyre poured forth all that he had
seen to his father and to his sister. So full was he of the one subject
that it was a relief to him to share his knowledge with others. Rather
for his own sake, then, than for theirs he depicted vividly all the
marvels which he had seen; the profusion of wealth, the regal
treasure-house of gems, the gold, the marble, the extraordinary devices,
the absolute lavishness and complete disregard for money which was shown
in every detail. For an hour he pictured with glowing words all the
wonders which had been shown him, and ended with some pride by
describing the request which Mr. Raffles Haw had made, and the complete
confidence which he had placed in him.
His words had a very different effect upon his two listeners.
Old McIntyre leaned back in his chair with a bitter smile upon his lips,
his thin face crinkled into a thousand puckers, and his small eyes
shining with envy and greed. His lean yellow hand upon the table was
clenched until the knuckles gleamed white in the lamplight. Laura, on
the other hand, leaned forward, her lips parted, drinking in her
brother's words with a glow of colour upon either cheek.
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