Warleggan Read Free Page B

uncertainly over, her work basket, selecting a new colour. `That was what he said. You' may take it or leave it as you please, Francis.'
    Aunt Agatha said : `I mind it was the year of that Du Barry scandal, or was it the year after, that you first brought him here. Stuggy little boy, he was, and the clothes they sent him in Velvets and silks, you could s ee his mother'd no taste; and h e staring about like a bull calf that had strayed from its stab.'
    `He has an easy, oily tongue,' said Francis, `and a persuasive damned way of putting things. I know it to my cost. Does he suppose we shall live a fuller life because of the boon off his friendship? I don't think his flatteries can convince you of that.'
    I can form my own judgments,' Elizabeth said.,'Though I couldn't but be aware that if it wasn't for his forbearance in the matter of mortgages we should not be living a life at all.'
    Francis bit his thumb thoughtfully. I confess I don't under stand his forbearance. It's out of character. Now that I'm in partnership with Ross , That's why the adventure at Wheal Grace is in Geoffrey Charles's name. But George makes no move.'
    `Except towards friendship,' said Elizabeth, Francis went to the open window and let the cool air waft on his Face , `I can't help but feel that I owe my immunity to you'
    `To me? That's silly, Really, Francis-''
    `Silly? Far from it. George has been making sheep's eyes at you for years. I'd never supposed him to be sufficiently human to let any warmer feeling interfere with his business aims, but lacking a better explanation . .'
    Elizabeth got up. 'I hope you'll find a better. I must go and read to Geoffrey Charles.'
    As she passed Francis, he caught her arm. The relationship between them had been kinder these last two years, though it was never warm. He said. `We may disagree, but I think his coming today has a plain enough reason. Whatever you may think he feels for me or I may think he feels for you, we can't doubt what he thinks o f Ross. If by befriending us he can put a new divisio n between us and Ross, he will certainly have gained his object. Do you want him to do that?'
    Elizabeth was silent for a moment. Then she said : `No.'
    `Nor I' He released her arm and she went slowly out.
    Aunt Agatha said : `You should have asked him for supper. We've plenty as it happens. But 'tisn't like it was when C harles was alive. I sadly miss your father, boy. He was the last one that knew how to entertain in a proper genteel way.'
     
    On his way home, at Bargus Cross where the gibbet stood, George met Dwight Enys, who was coming from the direction of Goon Prince. Dwight would have saluted and ridden on, but George halted and the two horses closed together.
    `Well, Dr. Enys you ride far on your' medical duties. Never to Truro, I suppose?'
    'Seldom to Truro.'
    `And when in, Truro you do not venture as far as the Warleggans.'
    Dwight made some show of quieting his horse while be thought out his reply. He d ecided to be frank. `I've had nothing but friendship from your family, Mr. Warleggan, and feel nothing but friendship in. return; but the Poldarks of Nampara are my chief friends; I live on the edge of their land, work among their mining folk, sup at thei r table, and share their confidence. In that event it seems better that I should not attempt to get the best of both worlds.'
    George did not move his neck but allowed his eyes to explore Dwight's shabby velvet coat with its gilt buttons.
    `Are the two worlds so divided that an independent man cannot pass from one to the other of his own free will?' `I have taken it so,' Dwight said. George's fare darkened.
    ` Men's tongues in some things outrun women's. Your own affairs prosper?'
    `Well enough, thank you.'
    `I was at the Penvenens' place last week, and gather that you are the regular physician there now.'
    `Mr. Penvenen keeps in very good health. I don't see much of him.'
    `They tell me that his niece is back.' `Indeed.'
    `I understand you did some clever