At a certain period, Guy had found himself very short of money, practically due to bridge losses at the flat in Mount Street. He had rather hesitatingly asked the charming widow if she knew of any decent moneylender, who would finance him at a rate of interest that was not too extortionate.
Violet had raised her candid blue eyes they were her best asset to his, with a world of pity in them.
Oh, Mr Rossett, I am so sorry to hear of this. It is all this horrible bridge. I always seem lucky, but such a lot of my friends have bad luck. I think I shall give up these parties, if they are going to embarrass the people I like.
There was a soft mist in her eyes, as she gave utterance to these noble sentiments. Guy felt a little thrill pass through him. She was not a mere worldling, she had her full share of real kindness, of real womanliness.
Ones own fault, you know, he answered lightly. I suppose I ought to be old enough to take care of myself. I neednt play bridge if I dont want to, need I?
Mrs Hargrave did not answer for a moment. She seemed struggling with her remorseful thoughts. Then, after a brief space, inspiration came to her, and she played a strong and winning card.
She laid her hand upon his arm, and her voice trembled ever so little as she spoke.
Mr Rossett, we have been very good friends, have we not? And you were a pal of dear old Jacks long before I met him.
Rossett nodded. At the moment he had no idea what she was driving at, or what she was leading up to. And he was pretty quick too.
Then I want you, for the moment, to think of me as a pal. Fancy for the time I am Jack, your old friend. What I want to say is this, dont go to these horrible people. They are sure to rook you. I have a little money put by dear old Jack left me comfortably off and I make quite a small income out of my winnings. Let me be your banker. Now, dont be proud.
Guy was profoundly touched, and he thanked her in no measured terms. But the idea of borrowing money from a woman, even if she were a dear friend, was too horrible to contemplate for a second. Had there been no alternative, he would sooner have blown his brains out.
He told her this, and she sighed regretfully, as one amazed at the obstinacy of a certain type of man. She knew, could she once have got him to accept this loan, she would be sure of him.
You see, it is quite impossible, he ended, rather awkwardly. It is not a pleasant thing to refuse the kindness thrust upon you in the most graceful way by a charming woman. Do you happen to know of any of these sharks?
Frustrated in her clever little scheme, the fair Violet reflected for a few seconds. Then she spoke in a hesitating voice, as if she were trying to recall certain memories of the past.
Yes, I do know a man who, I believe, is a decent specimen of his kind. You know, a lot of people wonder that Jack was so well-off. Well, in the first place, he was awfully clever, and he had two or three good friends in the City who gave him tips. But he wanted a bit of capital. He found out this man Jackson, who has offices in Dover Street. Jackson believed in him, and financed him, of course taking a good share. That was only natural.
Rossett pricked up his ears. The thing that had puzzled so many people was already partly explained. Jack had been, as his wife said, a clever fellow, and a bit of a dark horse. He had been making money in the City in a subterranean way, with the help of the philanthropic Mr Jackson, who, no doubt, had looked after his own share of the profits. But why the deuce had not Jack Hargrave told this openly to his intimates? Then all innuendos and suspicions would have been silenced at once.
Mrs Hargrave went on in her sweet, low voice. I dont think I have ever told this to a soul. You will respect my confidence. I always thought it a little silly of Jack, but he made a point of keeping the secret to himself.
Need you ask the question? queried Guy Rossett reproachfully.
No, I am sure I can trust you. Well, this man Jackson; by the way, that is not his real name, he is a naturalised Spaniard. I see him sometimes on a few matters in which he is still interested, and which he looks after for me. I will give you a note to him, and ask him to treat you very gently.
But, before she moved to her writing-table, she again looked pleadingly at him.
Are you sure you will not reconsider my suggestion? Surely you would rather be indebted to me than to a mere sordid moneylender?
Again Guy repeated his thanks. But on this point he was adamant; nothing would move him.
He took the letter of introduction to Mr Jackson. This gentleman was affability itself. Mrs Hargraves introduction was quite sufficient. Guy was too much a gentleman to put searching questions as to Jacksons private knowledge of the Hargraves, husband and wife.
On his side, Mr Jackson had the private dossier of every eligible young man, from the moneylenders point of view, entered in his reference book. He knew all about the Earl of Saxham, and the Lady Henrietta. Young Mr Rossett was quite a desirable client. He was pleased to add him to his list.
As a matter of fact, the loan was quite a small one, and was granted on reasonable terms. There was no speculative element in the transaction. Guy was a young man who might make a mistake now and again, but he would never kick over the traces for long, and he was as straight as a die.
On this particular morning, Mr Jackson received him with the greatest affability.
Delighted to see you, Mr Rossett. Too early for a drink, I am afraid, but have a cigar.
He pushed across a box of cigars that even a Spanish Jew could not have bought under half a crown apiece.
Now, what is it, Mr Rossett? Just a little more ready, I suppose?
Guy bit off the end of the very excellent cigar with a composed air. He had not the appearance of a suppliant for financial favours.
Not quite as bad as that, Mr Jackson. But I have a bill for six hundred due next month. It would be a great convenience to me if you would renew half when it falls due, of course on the usual terms.
For a moment, Mr Jacksons face fell. He had hoped he was going to get deeper into the young mans ribs, looking forward to that blessed day when Lady Henriettas fortune would wipe off all arrears.
Then, the next moment, he cheered up. Guy was not going to be a very big customer, but he was a safe one. A young man who could pay off half of his indebtedness was to be trusted. Not much waiting, just quick profits.
It took them a few moments to discuss the details of the extension of the loan. When these had been settled, Mr Jackson consulted his watch.
I think, Mr Rossett, we might venture upon a small bottle now, what do you think?
Guy really did not want anything to drink at this comparatively early hour of the morning. But, in view of further favours, it would not be politic to check his hosts hospitable impulses.
The moneylender produced a very excellent small bottle of veuve cliquot. The two men sat chatting for some time. Suddenly, the telephone bell rang.
What was whispered down it seemed to agitate Mr Jackson a little. Rossett could, of course, only catch his disjointed replies.
Actually left the house, you say, on the way. Ought always to give me notice. Might be too busy. Well, it cant be helped. Good-bye.
As a matter of fact, it was Mrs Hargraves maid who had rung up to tell him that her mistress was on her way to his office. He knew enough to be sure that a meeting between Violet and Rossett would be very disturbing to both, hence his discomfiture.