Of course, if you think that the undertaking of
my affairs would block you in other directions do not hesitate to say
so. This is a matter of business between us, pure and simple."
Brooks had recovered himself. The length of Lord Arranmore's speech and
his slow drawl had given him an opportunity to do so. He glanced for a
moment at the letter which lay upon his desk, and hated it.
"In an ordinary way, Lord Arranmore," he answered, "there could be only
one possible reply to such an offer as you have made me--an immediate
and prompt acceptance. If I seem to hesitate, it is because, first--I
must tell you something. I must make something--in the nature of a
confession."
Lord Arranmore raised his eyebrows, but his face remained as the face of
a Sphinx. He sat still, and waited.
"On the occasion of my visit to you," Brooks continued, "you may
remember the presence of a certain Mr. Lacroix? He is the author, I
believe, of several books of travel in Western Canada, and has the
reputation of knowing that part of the country exceedingly well."
Brooks paused, but his visitor helped him in no way.
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