THAT evening James Bellingham came to see Corey after dinner, and went
to find him in his own room.
"I've come at the instance of Colonel Lapham," said the uncle. "He was
at my office to-day, and I had a long talk with him. Did you know that
he was in difficulties?"
"I fancied that he was in some sort of trouble. And I had the
book-keeper's conjectures--he doesn't really know much about it."
"Well, he thinks it time--on all accounts--that you should know how he
stands, and why he declined that proposition of yours. I must say he
has behaved very well--like a gentleman."
"I'm not surprised."
"I am. It's hard to behave like a gentleman where your interest is
vitally concerned. And Lapham doesn't strike me as a man who's in the
habit of acting from the best in him always."
"Do any of us?" asked Corey.
"Not all of us, at any rate," said Bellingham. "It must have cost him
something to say no to you, for he's just in that state when he
believes that this or that chance, however small, would save him."