When they started for Sleepy Cat, the afternoon sun was bright, and
much of the time was spent on the pretty observation platform of the
Brock car. During the shifting of the groups Mr. Brock stepped forward
into the directors' car for some papers, and Gertrude found herself
alone for a moment on the platform with Glover. She was watching the
track. He was studying a blueprint, and this time he made no effort to
break the silence. Determined that the interval should not become a
conscious one she spoke. "Papa seems unwilling to give you much rest
to-day."
"I think I am learning more from him, though, than he is learning from
me," returned Glover, without looking up. "He is a man of big ideas; I
should be glad of a chance to know him."
"You are likely to have that during the next two weeks."
"I fear not."
"Did you not understand that Judge Saltzer and he are both to be with
our party now?"
"But I am to leave it to-night."
She made no comment. "You do not understand why I joined it," he
continued, "after my----"
"I understand, at least, how distasteful the association must have
been."
He had looked up, and without flinching, he took the blow into his
slow, heavy eyes, but in a manner as mild as Glover's, defiance could
hardly be said to have place at any time.
"I have given you too good ground to visit your impatience on me," he
said, "and I confess I've stood the ordeal badly. Your contempt has
cut me to the quick. But don't, I beg, add to my humiliation by such a
reproach. I'm blundering, but not wholly reprobate."
Her father appeared at the door. Glover's eyes were fastened on the
blueprint.
Gertrude let her magazine lie in her lap. She could not at all
understand the plans the two men were discussing, but her father spoke
so confidently about taking up Glover's suggestions in detail during
the two weeks that they should have together, and Glover said so
little, that she intervened presently with a little remark. "Papa; are
you not forgetting that Mr. Glover says he cannot be with us on the
Park trip."
"I am not forgetting it because Mr. Glover hasn't said so."
"I so understood Mr. Glover."
"Certainly not," objected Mr. Brock, looking at his companion.
"It is a disappointment to me," said Glover, "that I can't be with you."
"Why, Mr. Bucks and I have arranged it, to-day. There are no other
duties," observed Mr. Brock, tersely.
"True, but the fact is I am not well."
"Nonsense; tired out, that's all. We will rest you up; the trip will
refresh you. I want you with me very particularly, Mr. Glover."
"Which makes me the sorrier I cannot be."