“I didn’t knock,” said Eglington, taking off his greatcoat and reaching for a chair; then added, as he seated himself: “Better sit down, Soolsby.”
After a moment he continued: “Do you mind my smoking?”
Soolsby did not reply, but sat down again. He watched Eglington light a cigar and stretch out his hands to the wood fire with an air of comfort.
A silence followed. Eglington appeared to forget the other’s presence, and to occupy himself with thoughts that glimmered in the fire.
At last Soolsby said moodily: “What have you come for, my lord?”
“Oh, I am my lord still, am I?” Eglington returned lazily. “Is it a genealogical tree you are studying there?” He pointed to the map.
“I’ve studied your family tree with care, as you should know, my lord; and a map of Egypt”--he tapped the parchment before him--“goes well with it. And see, my lord, Egypt concerns you too. Lord Eglington is there, and ‘tis time he was returning-ay, ‘tis time.”
There was a baleful look in Soolsby’s eyes. Whatever he might think, whatever considerations might arise at other times, a sinister feeling came upon him when Eglington was with him.
“And, my lord,” he went on, “I’d be glad to know that you’ve sent for him, and told him the truth.”
“Have you?” Eglington flicked the ash from his cigar, speaking coolly.
Soolsby looked at him with his honest blue eyes aflame, and answered deliberately: “I was not for taking your place, my lord. ‘Twas my duty to tell you, but the rest was between you and the Earl of Eglington.”
“That was thoughtful of you, Soolsby. And Miss Claridge?”
“I told you that night, my lord, that only her father and myself knew; and what was then is now.”
A look of relief stole across Eglington’s face. “Of course--of course. These things need a lot of thought, Soolsby. One must act with care--no haste, no flurry, no mistakes.”
“I would not wait too long, my lord, or be too careful.” There was menace in the tone.
“But if you go at things blind, you’re likely to hurt where you don’t mean to hurt. When you’re mowing in a field by a school-house, you must look out for the children asleep in the grass. Sometimes the longest way round is the shortest way home.”
“Do you mean to do it or not, my lord? I’ve left it to you as a gentleman.”