第44章

When Herbert finally reached the bank that morning he was still in a state of doubt and perplexity.He had parted with his grateful visitor, whose safety in a few hours seemed assured, but without the least further revelation or actual allusion to anything antecedent to his selecting Tappington's room as refuge.More than that, Herbert was convinced from his manner that he had no intention of making a confidant of Mrs.Brooks, and this convinced him that Dornton's previous relations with Tappington were not only utterly inconsistent with that young man's decorous reputation, but were unsuspected by the family.The stranger's familiar knowledge of the room, his mysterious allusions to the "risks" Tappington had taken, and his sudden silence on the discovery of Bly's ignorance of the whole affair all pointed to some secret that, innocent or not, was more or less perilous, not only to the son but to the mother and sister. Of the latter's ignorance he had no doubt--but had he any right toenlighten them? Admitting that Tappington had deceived them with the others, would they thank him for opening their eyes to it? If they had already a suspicion, would they care to know that it was shared by him? Halting between his frankness and his delicacy, the final thought that in his budding relations with the daughter it might seem a cruel bid for her confidence, or a revenge for their distrust of him, inclined him to silence.But an unforeseen occurrence took the matter from his hands.At noon he was told that Mr.Carstone wished to see him in his private room!

Satisfied that his complicity with Dornton's escape was discovered, the unfortunate Herbert presented himself, pale but self-possessed, before his employer.That brief man of business bade him be seated, and standing himself before the fireplace, looked down curiously, but not unkindly, upon his employee.

"Mr.Bly, the bank does not usually interfere with the private affairs of its employees, but for certain reasons which I prefer to explain to you later, I must ask you to give me a straightforward answer to one or two questions.I may say that they have nothing to do with your relations to the bank, which are to us perfectly satisfactory."More than ever convinced that Mr.Carstone was about to speak of his visitor, Herbert signified his willingness to reply.

"You have been seen a great deal with Miss Brooks lately--on the street and elsewhere--acting as her escort, and evidently on terms of intimacy.To do you both justice, neither of you seemed to have made it a secret or avoided observation; but I must ask you directly if it is with her mother's permission?"Considerably relieved, but wondering what was coming, Herbert answered, with boyish frankness, that it was.

"Are you--engaged to the young lady?" "No, sir.""Are you--well, Mr.Bly--briefly, are you what is called 'in love' with her?" asked the banker, with a certain brusque hurrying over of a sentiment evidently incompatible with their present business surroundings.

Herbert blushed.It was the first time he had heard the question voiced, even by himself.

"I am," he said resolutely."And you wish to marry her?""If I dared ask her to accept a young man with no position as yet," stammered Herbert.

"People don't usually consider a young man in Carstone's Bank of no position," said the banker dryly; "and I wish for your sake THAT were the only impediment.For I am compelled to reveal to you a secret." He paused, and folding his arms, looked fixedly down upon his clerk."Mr.Bly, Tappington Brooks, the brother of your sweetheart, was a defaulter and embezzler from this bank!"Herbert sat dumfounded and motionless.