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He was looking forward to it now with feelings of undiluted satisfaction. Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge was in, he was told, and he was at once admitted to his presence. The financier greeted him with a somewhat curious smile. "Say, this is very nice of you to look me up again!" he exclaimed. "Still worrying about that loan, eh?" Peter shook his head.
Peter led the way to the far corner, and standing with his elbow leaning upon the mantelpiece, addressed them. "The position is this," he said. "Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge has parted with a million and a half of his own money, a loan to the Turkish Government, on security which is not worth a snap of the fingers." "It is a lie!" Major Kosuth exclaimed.
"At eight o'clock," Peter said, taking his leave. The dinner-party was a great success. Mrs. Heseltine-Wrigge found herself amongst the class of people with whom it was her earnest desire to become acquainted, and her husband was well satisfied to see her keen longing for Society likely to be gratified. The subject of Peter's call at the office in the City was studiously ignored.
Peter sat down at the writing-table and commenced a letter. Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge mounted guard over the door, and stood there, a grim figure of impatience. Before the five minutes was up, Bernadine crossed the room. "I congratulate you, Baron," he said, dryly. "You are either an exceedingly lucky person or you are more of a genius than I believed.
"Only a little disappointment for our friends the Count von Hern and Major Kosuth. I have brought you some information which, I think, will put an end to that affair of the loan." Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge sat quite still for a moment. His brows were knitted; he showed no signs of nervousness. "Go right on," he said.
Heseltine-Wrigge, I should have recognized you anywhere from your photographs." "Say, isn't that queer?" the little lady remarked, turning to her husband. "I should love to see Vi again." "If you will give me your address," Peter declared, promptly, "my wife will be delighted to call upon you." The man looked up from the note. "Do you want to talk business with me, Baron?" he asked.
"For a few moments only," Peter answered. "I am afraid I am a great nuisance, and if you wish it I will come down to the city again." "That's all right," Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge replied. "Myra won't mind waiting a minute or two. Come through here." He turned and led the way into a quiet-looking suite of offices, where one or two clerks were engaged writing at open desks.
"If you will permit me for a moment," he said, "there is a little explanation I should perhaps make to Major Kosuth." The Turk took a step towards the door. "I have no time to listen to explanations from you or any one," he replied. "My cab is waiting. I depart. If Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge is not satisfied with our transaction, I am sorry, but it is too late to alter anything."
It was not until the very end of the evening, indeed, that the host of this very agreeable party was rewarded by a single hint. It all came about in the most natural manner. They were speaking of foreign capitals. "I love Paris," Mrs. Heseltine-Wrigge told her host. "Just adore it. Charles is often there on business, and I always go along." Peter smiled. There was just a chance here.
"I return your good wishes, Count. I, too, drink 'To the Day!" Bernadine and Kosuth left a few minutes afterwards. Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge, who was feeling himself again, watched them depart with ill-concealed triumph. "Say, you had those fellows on toast, Baron," he declared, admiringly. "I couldn't follow the whole affair, but I can see that you're in for big things sometimes. Remember this.
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