At Love's Cost
Page 53"I'm glad you like it," he said. "But do you like it?" he put in, with
a shrewd gleam in his eyes, which could be keen as well as brilliant
and genial. "I fancy you think it _too_ fine--eh, Stafford?" He laid
his hand on Stafford's knee with a somewhat appealing gesture and
glance. "I've seen a doubt on your face once or twice--and, by George!
you haven't seen half the place yet. Yes, Mr. Howard, I'll admit that
it is rather luxurious; that's the result of giving these new men
_carte-blanche_. They take you at your word, sir. I'll own up I was a
little surprised to-day; for I told them to build me a villa--but then
rather large. It seemed to me that as it overlooks the lake it ought to
be after the style of those places one sees in Italy, and I hinted that
for the interior an Oriental style might be suitable; but I left them a
free hand, and if they've overdone it they ought to have known better.
I employed the men who were recommended to me."
There was a pause for a moment. Stafford tried to find some phrase
which would conceal his lack of appreciation; and his father, as if he
saw what was passing through Stafford's mind, went on quickly but
find that the people who are coming here tomorrow will agree with you.
I may not know much about art and taste, but I know my world.
Stafford--Mr. Howard--I'll make a clean breast of it. I built this
place with an object. My dear sir, you won't think me guilty of
sticking it up to please Stafford here. I know his taste too well;
something like mine, I expect--a cosy room with a clean cloth and a
well-cooked chop and potato. I've cooked 'em myself before now--the
former on a shovel, the latter in an empty meat-tin. Of course I know
mine. Of course. You have been accustomed to every refinement and a
great deal of luxury over since you left the cradle. Quite right! I'm
delighted that it should be so. Nothing is too good for Stafford
here--and his chum--nothing!"
Stafford's handsome face flushed.
"You've been very generous to me, sir," he said, in his brief way, but
with a glance at his father which expressed more than the words.