Page:The Paradise Mystery - Fletcher (1920).djvu/31

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MAKING AN ENEMY
27

"Just so," agreed Bryce. "But—that's the sort of thing. Do you want more? I can supply an unlimited quantity in the piece if you like. But it's all according to sample."

"So—in addition to your other qualities," remarked Hansford, "you're a gossiper!"

Bryce smiled slowly and shook his head.

"No," he replied. "I'm a listener. A good one, too. But do you see my point? I say—there's no mystery about me. If Miss Bewery will honour me with her hand, she'll get a man whose antecedents will bear the strictest investigation."

"Are you inferring that hers won't?" demanded Ransford.

"I'm not inferring anything," said Bryce. "I am speaking for myself, of myself. Pressing my own claim, if you like, on you, the guardian. You might do much worse than support my claims, Dr. Ransford."

"Claims, man!" retorted Ransford. "You've got no claims! What are you talking about? Claims!"

"My pretensions, then," answered Bryce. "If there is a mystery—as Wrychester people say there is—about Miss Bewery, it would be safe with me. Whatever you may think, I'm a thoroughly dependable man—when it's in my own interest."

"And—when it isn't?" asked Ransford. "What are you then?—as you're so candid."

"I could be a very bad enemy," replied Bryce.

There was a moment's silence, during which the two men looked attentively at each other.

"I've told you the truth," said Ransford at last. "Miss Bewery flatly refuses to entertain any idea

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