human
We've corresponded quite frequently during the war, she pursued.
gpt
I mentioned him several times after we got home from France, but you probably failed to notice the name. It's only since he came to New Orleans that I really kept any secrets from you; this time, I wanted to find out if you liked him.
human
Yes, yes, he said.
gpt
Yes--of course. He's a geologist or engineer, I think?
human
Both, and a good one. He's a stockholder in Bob Maillard's oil company, and I think he's come here to stay. Well, about last night--he probably guessed at some of my private affairs; I've written or spoken rather frankly, perhaps. Also, Bob may have blabbed to him. Bob still drinks--prohibition has not hit _him_ very hard!
gpt
No, agreed Fell, gravely.
human
Unfortunately, no. Lucie, I've discovered a most important fact. Joseph Maillard did not own any stock in the Bayou Oil Company at the time your land was sold them by him, and he had no interest at all in the real estate concern that bought your St. Landry swamplands and made a fortune off them. We have really blamed him most unjustly.
gpt
We need not mince matters, pursued Fell, slowly.
human
Maillard has no scruples and no compassion; all the same, I am forced to the belief that he has maintained your interest uprightly, and that his mistakes were only errors. I do not believe that he has profited in the least from you. Two small fortunes were swept out of your grip when he sold those lands; yet they had been worthless, and he had good offers for them. His investments in the companies concerned were made afterward, and I am certain he sold the lands innocently.
gpt
I am glad you have said this, she returned, simply.
human
It's been hard for me to think that Uncle Joseph had taken advantage of me; I simply couldn't make myself believe it. I think that he honestly likes me, as far as he permits himself to like any one.
gpt
He'd not loan you money on it, said Fell.
human
Friendship isn't a tangible security with him. And a girl is never secure, as Eliza said when she crossed the ice.
gpt
Well, who really did profit by my loss? Any one?
human
My dear Lucie, is there one person in this world to whose faults Joseph Maillard is deliberately blind--one person to whose influence he is ever open--one person to whom he would refuse nothing, in whom he would pardon everything, of whom he would never believe any evil report?
gpt
You mean---- Lucie drew a quick breath,
human
Bob?
gpt
Yes, I mean Bob. That he has profited by your loss I am not yet in a position to say; but I suspect it. He has his father's cupidity without his father's sense of honour to restrain him. When I have finished with the Masquer, I shall take up his trail.
human
Now I must be off, my dear. By the way, if I have need of you in running down the Masquer, may I call upon your services?
gpt
Certainly! I'd love to help, Uncle Jachin! We'd be real detectives?
human
Almost. Jachin Fell smiled slightly.
gpt
Will you dine with us to-morrow evening, Lucie? My mother commanded me to bring you as soon as possible----
human
Oh, your mother! exclaimed the girl, contritely.
gpt
I was so absorbed in the Masquer that I forgot to ask after her. How is she?
human
Quite as usual, thank you. I presume that you'll attend Comus with the Maillards?
gpt
Yes. I'll come to-morrow night gladly, Uncle Jachin.
human
And we'll take a look at the Proteus ball afterward, if you like. I'll send Ben Chacherre for you with the car, if you're not afraid of him.
gpt
I'm not exactly afraid of him, she responded, soberly,
human
All life is an effort, little one! Well, good-bye.