"
"That he himself would, if he'd gone on attending--"
"Precisely. But he's not surprised that you didn't; you lacked the
experience. Still he thinks none the worse of you for that, and he told
me that he has made up his mind to offer you partnership. Irechester's a
bit stiff, but a very straight fellow. You could rely on being fairly
treated, and it's a good practice. Besides he's well off, and quite
likely to retire as soon as he sees you fairly in the saddle."
"It's a great compliment." Here Mary's voice sounded quite
straightforward and sincere. An odd little note of contempt crept into it
as she added, "And it sounds--ideal!"
"Yes, it does," old Naylor agreed, with a private smile all to himself,
whilst Mary still gazed into the fire. "Quite ideal. You're a lucky young
woman, Mary." He rose to take his leave. "So, with our young folk happily
married, and you installed, and friend Beaumaroy suited to his
liking--why, upon my word, we may ring the curtain down on a happy
ending--of Act I, at all events!"
She seemed to pay no heed to his words.
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