One of Our Conquerors - World eBook Library

One of Our Conquerors
set an: example, in fact ….’
He rambled, amusingly to the complacent hearing of
Fenellan, who thought of his pursuit of wealth and grand
expenditure.
Victor talked as a man having his mind at leaps beyond
the subject. He was nearing to the Idea he had seized and
lost on London Bridge.
The desire for some good news wherewith to inspirit Nataly,
withdrew him from his ineffectual chase. He had nought to
deliver; on the contrary, a meditation concerning her comfort
pledged him to concealment which was the no step, or
passive state, most abhorrent to him.
He snatched at the name of Themison.
With Dr. Themison fast in his grasp, there was a report of
progress to be made to Nataly; and not at all an empty report.
Themison, then: he leaned on Themison. The woman’s
doctor should have an influence approaching to authority
with her.
Land-values in the developing Colonies, formed his theme
of discourse to Fenellan: let Banks beware.
Fenellan saw him shudder and rub the back of his head.
‘Feel the wind?’ he said.
Victor answered him with that humane thrill of the deep
tones, which at times he had: ‘No: don’t be alarmed; I feel
the devil. If one has wealth and a desperate wish, he will
speak. All he does, is to make me more charitable to those
who give way to him. I believe in a devil.’
‘Horns and tail?’
‘Bait and hook.’
‘I haven’t wealth, and I wish only for dinner,’ Fenellan said.
‘You know that Armandine is never two minutes late. By
the way, you haven’t wealth—you have me.’
‘And I thank God for you!’ said Fenellan, acutely reminiscent
of his having marked the spiritual adviser of Mrs. Burman,
the Rev. Groseman Buttermore, as a man who might
be useful to his friend.
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