You know, also, that
I am, and have long been, in love with her. If I had succeeded in making
the money I thought I should by selling the mine, I might have had some
hopes of making more, and of ultimately being in a position to ask her to
be my wife; but that and very many other hopes have disappeared with my
recent London experiences. I want to get into the forest and recover some
of my lost tone, and my lost faith in human nature. If you can arrange
matters with the owner of the mine, so that I may stay here for a year
or two, you will do me a great favour.'
George Wentworth read over the latter part of this letter two or three
times. Then he rose, paced the floor, and pondered.
'It isn't a thing upon which I can ask anyone's advice,' he muttered to
himself. 'The trouble with Kenyon is, he is entirely too modest; a little
useful self-esteem would be just the thing for him.' At last he stopped
suddenly in his walk. 'By Jove!' he said to himself, slapping his thigh,
'I shall do it, let the consequences be what they may.'
Then he sat down at his desk and wrote a letter.
'DEAR Miss LONGWORTH' (it began),
'You told me when you were here last that you wanted all the documents
pertaining to the mine, in every instance. A document has come this
morning that is rather important. John Kenyon, as you will learn by
reading the letter, desires the managership of the mine. I need not say
that I think he is the best man in the world for the position, and that
everything will be safe in his hands.
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