Cast Adrift | Page 9

to merchant was made, and the new
connection announced, under the title of "FREELING & GRANGER."
Clear seeing as evil may be in its schemes for hurting others, it is
always blind to the consequent exactions upon itself; it strikes fiercely
and desperately, not calculating the force of a rebound. So eager was
Mrs. Dinneford to compass the ruin of Granger that she stepped beyond
the limit of common prudence, and sought private interviews with
Freeling, both before and after the completion of the partnership
arrangement. These took place in the parlor of a fashionable hotel,
where the gentleman and lady seemed to meet accidentally, and without
attracting attention.
Mrs. Dinneford was very confidential in these interviews not
concealing her aversion to Granger. He had come into the family, she
said, as an unwelcome intruder; but now that he was there, they had to
make the best of him. Not in spoken words did Mrs. Dinneford convey
to Freeling the bitter hatred that was in her heart, nor in spoken words
let him know that she desired the young man's utter ruin, but he
understood it all before the close of their first private interview.
Freeling was exceedingly deferential in the beginning and guarded in
his speech. He knew by the quick intuitions of his nature that Mrs.
Dinneford cherished an evil purpose, and had chosen him as the agent
for its accomplishment. She was rich, and occupied a high social

position, and his ready conclusion was that, be the service what it might,
he could make it pay. To get such a woman in his power was worth an
effort.
One morning--it was a few months after the date of the
copartnership--Mrs. Dinneford received a note from Freeling. It said,
briefly,
"At the usual place, 12 M. to-day. Important." There was no signature.
The sharp knitting of her brows and the nervous crumpling of the note
in her hand showed that she was not pleased at the summons. She had
come already to know her partner in evil too well. At 12 M. she was in
the hotel parlor. Freeling was already there. They met in external
cordiality, but it was very evident from the manner of Mrs. Dinneford,
that she felt herself in the man's power, and had learned to be afraid of
him.
"It will be impossible to get through to-morrow," he said, in a kind of
imperative voice, that was half a threat, "unless we have two thousand
dollars."
"I cannot ask Mr. Dinneford for anything more," Mrs. Dinneford
replied; "we have already furnished ten thousand dollars beyond the
original investment."
"But it is all safe enough--that is, if we do not break down just here for
lack of so small a sum."
Mrs. Dinneford gave a start.
"Break down!" She repeated the words in a husky, voice, with a paling
face. "What do you mean?"
"Only that in consequence of having in store a large stock of unsalable
goods bought by your indiscreet son-in-law, who knows no more about
business than a child, we are in a temporary strait."
"Why did you trust him to buy?" asked Mrs. Dinneford.
"I didn't trust him. He bought without consulting me," was replied,
almost rudely.
"Will two thousand be the end of this thing?"
"I think so."
"You only think so?"
"I am sure of it."
"Very well; I will see what can be done. But all this must have an end,
Mr. Freeling. We cannot supply any more money. You must look

elsewhere if you have further need. Mr. Dinneford is getting very much
annoyed and worried. You surely have other resources."
"I have drawn to the utmost on all my resources," said the man, coldly.
Mrs. Dinneford remained silent for a good while, her eyes upon the
floor. Freeling watched her face intently, trying to read what was in her
thoughts. At last she said, in a suggestive tone,
"There are many ways of getting money known to business-men--a
little risky some of them, perhaps, but desperate cases require desperate
expedients. You understand me?"
Freeling took a little time to consider before replying.
"Yes," he said, at length, speaking slowly, as one careful of his words.
"But all expedients are 'risky,' as you say--some of them very risky. It
takes a long, cool head to manage them safely."
"I don't know a longer or cooler head than yours," returned Mrs.
Dinneford, a faint smile playing about her lips.
"Thank you for the compliment," said Freeling, his lips reflecting the
smile on hers.
"You must think of some expedient." Mrs. Dinneford's manner grew
impressive. She spoke with emphasis and deliberation. "Beyond the
sum of two thousand dollars, which I will get for you by to-morrow, I
shall not advance a single penny. You may set that down as sure.