"Take this philanthropic trust, or whatever they call it; excursions for poor children! Good Lord! Every sob sister on the press would be good for a column once a week. It's up to you to see that the publicity is properly organised. Every time they give an excursion have the stuff sent out. It's cheap at the price, if you ask me. You couldn't buy it at any price. You'll be received with cheers on the street then. No need to hire a body-guard. And you still do more or less business. Think how it would help you in your business!"
The old man was greatly impressed. "Well, I'll think it over," he said. "It's too much money. I'll offer to compromise with Verplanck on half."
Evan saw that even this was an immense concession. "Talk it over with Mr. George," he said.
Evan, fearful of overdoing it, let the matter drop. Everything depended on George now. The old man presently departed.
It may be mentioned here, out of its proper place chronologically, that later that night Evan got another note from George Deaves:
"I have had it out with Papa. It took me two hours. But I won. There will be no interference with the Deaves Trust. In the future I mean to be firmer with Papa. I have given in to him too much.
At six o'clock Evan heard a quick light step on the stairs and the heart began to thump in his breast. He had been longing for this--and dreading it. Corinna presented herself at his open door. She had newspapers in her hand, and there was no doubt but that she had read them. But if Evan had expected her to be pleased, he was sadly disappointed. Her eyes were flashing.
"What does this mean?" she demanded, waving the papers.
"Dordess wrote the story," said Evan, sparring for time.
"I know he did. I have seen him. He referred me to you."
"Well, the story tells all," said Evan. "I didn't return the bonds, but created a philanthropist out of Simeon Deaves."
"And rehabilitated him in the eyes of the public!" she cried bitterly. "The unrepentant old scoundrel!"
"He'll find popularity so sweet he'll have to live up to it."
Evan was moved to protest. "Look here, Corinna, you've nourished your grudge against him for so long that you've positively fallen in love with it. You're just sore now because it has been removed!"