The Second House. V. J. Banis

moment just what he was thinking and how he felt toward you.

      I became aware, as he looked from Jeffrey to me, that he did not feel kindly toward me, although I could imagine no reason why this should be so.

      I had been so busy gawking that I had almost been oblivious to the introductions Jeffrey was making. Dimly I heard him say, “Miss Liza Durant, may I introduce my cousin, Guy Delane.”

      I put my hand in his. He looked so swaggeringly nineteenth century I nearly expected him to bow from the waist and kiss it, but he only shook it gently and released it. He was not overly enthusiastic.

      “I thought Jeffrey had no relatives in the area,” I said.

      “Guy is from New York,” Jeffrey said. “And this visit is a surprise. What brings you here? I hope the family isn’t so dissatisfied with the results I’ve produced that they thought you’d be needed?”

      “From what I’ve seen, there haven’t been any results,” Guy said. It was an insulting remark, and Jeffrey’s frown showed that he resented it. He did not reply though, except to take on a pouting look. I had an impression that he would not care to stand up to his strong-voiced cousin.

      “Of course, it’s not hard to see how you’ve been diverted,” Guy added, in my direction.

      “I hope I haven’t caused any difficulties,” I said, smiling although I disliked this sort of rudeness. “I find it difficult to imagine myself diverting men from their legitimate pursuits.”

      “He’s quite right,” Jeffrey said. “If ever a lady was born to turn men’s heads, it is you.” He put a hand upon my shoulder. I knew that he meant it to reassure me in the face of Guy’s rudeness, and perhaps he meant also to take strength from me. Strangely, though, I found myself unaccountably resenting this gesture. It seemed intimate, and possessive; too, I saw that Guy noticed it at once. He smiled in a mocking manner. His manner, barely short of leering, angered me. I reached up and put my hand over Jeffrey’s.

      “You two have become well acquainted,” Guy said.

      “Miss Durant is a good friend,” Jeffrey said.

      “You’ve known one another such a short time.”

      “It is very easy to like your cousin,” I said. “He inspires one’s trust and affection.”

      Mr. Delane gave me the benefit of another of his mocking glances. “The men of our family are quite accustomed to meeting young ladies who, upon learning of our position, find us easy to like.”

      My face burned crimson. Even Jeffrey, who was obviously accustomed to being intimidated by the more aggressive personality of his cousin, flushed angrily. “That is uncalled for,” he said sharply.

      Guy’s smile only flashed more brightly. “Then I apologize, of course,” he said. This time he did give me a bow from the waist.

      “In any event,” he said to Jeffrey, “I did not come here because of your lack of success in dealing with Lescott. I came because your father is ill. Gravely ill, in fact.”

      Jeffrey grew pale at this news. For a moment he had nothing to say, and when he spoke it was to say simply, “I see.”

      I had no emotional involvement with this news, of course, except that I felt sympathy for Jeffrey. This being the case, I could view things with somewhat more detachment. As a result, I found myself wondering why Guy Delane had come such a long distance to deliver this news in person. There were telephones here, and a Western Union office. Had the two been more obviously fond of one another I might have thought it an act of kindness; but I didn’t think it was affection for Jeffrey that had prompted Guy to make the trip.

      Why, then, had he?

      I reminded myself that I knew nothing, after all, of the intra-family relationships of this clan. Perhaps this was merely the way they did things, personal animosity notwithstanding. And, lest I forget it, it was really none of my business.

      “I’ve made arrangements for us to return tomorrow,” Guy went on. “I assume that is satisfactory?”

      “Yes,” Jeffrey said. “In that case, I have some business I want to take care of this evening. With Mr. Lescott, as a matter of fact. You see, I haven’t been entirely without results, notwithstanding my distractions.” He gave me a nod.

      “Then you’ve interested Lescott in joining Forrest Silver?” Guy asked.

      “I think so. He was to let me know in the morning, but it can’t harm anything to see him this evening. He may have made up his mind already.”

      “Shall I join you?”

      Jeffrey gave his cousin a cold look. “I don’t think that will be necessary,” he said.

      “I am the firm’s general manager,” Guy said, apparently unperturbed by Jeffrey’s coolness.

      “And my father is still the principal owner,” Jeffrey replied. “And I am here at his instructions to carry out a specific task. If you will pardon me, I will finish it myself.”

      Guy shrugged and said, “As you wish.”

      Jeffrey turned to me. “You’ll come with me, won’t you?” he asked.

      “If you like,” I said, standing. I thought it actually pointless, since I could do nothing to help him in his business efforts; but I felt that inviting me was an act of defiance directed toward Mr. Delane, and being none too happy with that gentleman’s manner, I was only too happy to go along with Jeffrey’s wishes.

      I gave Mr. Delane my hand again. “It’s been most pleasant,” I said.

      “A singular experience,” he murmured.

      As we left I felt Mr. Delane’s eyes upon me; they were not, I was certain, approving.

      I dismissed the incident from my mind. I will probably never see him again, I told myself.

      All in all, that was a silly notion.