"They had a gale
on the way out, and that sort of thing, but he is all right now.
He thinks he may be back by March. I wonder whether your new friend
will come to-morrow--your knight of the enchanted Castle."
"Hardly so soon, I should fancy."
"If he should be looking about for an investment. Robert," said the
father, "you won't forget to tell him what a fine opening there is now
in the gun trade. With my knowledge, and a few thousands at my back, I
could bring him in his thirty per cent. as regular as the bank. After
all, he must lay out his money somehow. He cannot sink it all in books
and precious stones. I am sure that I could give him the highest
references."
"It may be a long time before he comes, father," said Robert coldly;"
and when he does I am afraid that I can hardly use his friendship as a
means of advancing your interest."
"We are his equals, father," cried Laura with spirit. "Would you put us
on the footing of beggars? He would think we cared for him only for his
money. I wonder that you should think of such a thing."
"If I had not thought of such things where would your education have
been, miss?" retorted the angry old man; and Robert stole quietly away
to his room, whence amid his canvases he could still hear the hoarse
voice and the clear in their never-ending family jangle.
Pages:
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68