Scarcely a word passed between the two men until they found themselves in the smoking-room of Trent's house.A servant noiselessly arranged decanters and cigars upon the sideboard,and,in response to an impatient movement of Trent's,withdrew.Francis lit a cigarette.Trent,contrary to his custom,did not smoke.He walked to the door and softly locked it.Then he returned and stood looking down at his companion.
"Francis,"he said,"you have been my enemy since the day I saw you first in Bekwando village."Scarcely that,"Francis objected."I have distrusted you since then if you like.""Call it what you like,"Trent answered."Only to-night you have served me a scurvy trick.You were a guest at my table and you gave me not the slightest warning.On the contrary,this morning you offered me a week's respite.""The story I told,"Francis answered,"could have had no significance to them.""I don't know whether you are trying to deceive me or not,"Trent said,"only if you do not know,let me tell you -Miss Wendermott is that old man's daughter!"The man's start was real.There was no doubt about that."And she knew?""She knew that he had been in Africa,but she believed that he had died there.What she believes at this moment I cannot tell.Your story evidently moved her.She will probably try to find out from you the truth."Francis nodded.
"She has asked me to call upon her to-morrow.""Exactly.Now,forgive my troubling you with personal details,but you've got to understand.I mean Miss Wendermott to be my wife."Francis sat up in his chair genuinely surprised.Something like a scowl was on his dark,sallow face.
"Your wife !'he exclaimed,"aren't you joking,Trent?""I am not,"Trent answered sharply."From the moment I saw her that has been my fixed intention.Every one thinks of me as simply a speculator with the money fever in my veins.Perhaps that was true once.It isn't now!I must be rich to give her the position she deserves.That's all I care for money."'
"I am very much interested,"Francis said slowly,"to hear of your intentions.Hasn't it occurred to you,however,that your behaviour toward Miss Wendermott's father will take a great deal of explanation?""If there is no interference,"Trent said,"I can do it.There is mystery on her part too,for I offered a large reward and news of him through my solicitor,and she actually refused to reply.She has refused any money accruing to her through her father,or to be brought into contact with any one who could tell her about him.""The fact,"Francis remarked drily,"is scarcely to her credit.
Monty may have been disreputable enough,I've no doubt he was;but his going away and staying there all these years was a piece of noble unselfishness.""Monty has been hardly used in some ways,"Trent said."I've done my best by him,though.""That,"Francis said coldly,"is a matter of opinion.""I know very well,"Trent answered,"what yours is.You are welcome to it.You can blackguard me all round London if you like in a week -but I want a week's grace.""Why should I grant it you?"Trent shrugged his shoulders.
"I won't threaten,"he said,"and I won't offer to bribe you,but I've got to have that week's grace.We're both men,Francis,who've been accustomed to our own way,I think.I want to know on what terms you'll grant it me."Francis knocked the ash off his cigarette and rose slowly to his feet.
"You want to know,"he repeated meditatively,"on what terms I'll hold my tongue for a week.Well,here's my answer!On no terms at all!""You don't mean that,"Trent said quietly.
