Shiel, in spite of all my faults in the past, I come to
you, to stay with you, to live on what you earn if you like, if it's only
a loaf of bread a day. I--I don't care about my money. I don't care
about the luxuries which money can buy; I can do without them if I have
you. Am I not to stay, and won't you--won't you kiss me, Shiel?"
She came close to him-came round the table till she stood within a few
feet of him.
There was one trembling instant when he would have taken her hungrily
into his arms, but as if some evil spirit interposed with malign purpose,
there came the sound of feet on the gravel outside, and the figure of a
man darkened the doorway. It was Augustus Burlingame, whose face as he
saw Mona Crozier took on an ironical smile.
"Yes--what do you want?" inquired Crozier quietly. "A few words with
Mr. Crozier on business, if he is not too much occupied?"
"What business?"
"I am acting for Messrs. Bradley, Willingden, Baxter, & Simmons."
The cloud darkened on Crozier's face. His lips tightened, his face
hardened. "I will see you in a moment--wait outside, please," he added,
as Burlingame made as though to step inside. "Wait at the gate," he
added quietly, but with undisguised contempt.
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