"
Master Hardy looked up and passed an investigating eye over the young
Englishman.
"You're related to one of the ducal families of England," he said,
"but your own immediate branch of it has no overplus of wealth. Still,
your blood is reckoned highly noble in England, and you have an
excellent standing in your regiment, both as an officer and a man."
Young Grosvenor's ruddy face became ruddier.
"How do you happen to know so much about me?" he asked. But there was
no offense in his tone.
Hardy smiled, and Pillsbury, pursing his thin lips, measured Grosvenor
with his eyes.
"I make it my business," replied Hardy, "to discover who the people
are who come to New York. I'm a seafaring man and a merchant and I
find profit in it. It's true, in especial, since the war has begun,
and New York begins to fill with the military. Many of these sprightly
young officers will be wishing to borrow money from me before long,
and it will be well for me to know their prospects of repayment."
The twinkle in his eye belied the irony of his words, and the
lieutenant laughed.
"And since you're alone," continued the merchant, "we ask you to join
us, and will be happy if you accept.
Pages:
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272