"Do you mean that for me?" she demanded. "The word isn't so badly applied to a man that can talk so to his mother! Haven't I been saving you as well as myself? As to May, any girl will love a husband that has character enough to manage her and be kind to her."
He was silent a moment, and when he spoke he waived the point.
"Do I understand," he said, "that you expect me to go to Count Shimbowski and announce myself as May's representative, and demand her letter?"
"Not at all," she answered, a droll expression of craftiness coming over her face. "Sit down, and let me tell you."
She resumed her own seat, and Jack, after whirling his chair around angrily, sat down astride of it, with his arms crossed on the back.
"There are letters and letters," Mrs. Neligage observed with a smile. "When Mrs. Harbinger gave me this one last night I began to see that it might be good for something. You are to exchange this with the Count. You needn't mention May's name."
"Yes; he gave it to Letty to be shown to people. Barnstable is the silliest fool that there is about."
"And you think the Count would give up that letter for this?"
"I am sure he would if he thought there was any possibility that this might fall into the hands of Miss Wentstile."
"If it would send the damned adventurer about his business," growled Jack, "I'd give it to Miss Wentstile myself."
"Oh, don't bother about that. I can stop that affair any time," his mother responded lightly. "I've only to tell Sarah Wentstile what I've seen myself, and that ends his business with her."
"Then you'd better do it, and stop his tormenting Alice."
"I'll do anything you like, Jack, if you'll be nice about May."
He got up from his seat and walked back and forth a few turns, his head bowed, and his manner that of deep thought. Then he went to his desk and wrote a couple of notes. He read them over carefully, and filled out a check. He lit a cigarette, and sat pondering over the notes for some moments. At last he brought them both to his mother, who had sat watching him intently, although she had turned her face half away from him. Jack put the letters into her hand without a word.
DEAR MAY,--My mother has just brought me your note, and I am going out at once to find the Count. I hope to bring you the letter before night. I need not tell you that I am very proud of the confidence you have shown in me and of the honor you do me. Until I see you it will, it seems to me, be better that you do not speak of our engagement.