of botany. A prosperous man who took an interest in him
sent him out to a tropical plantation, where he wrote a work on the
vegetable product of equatorial regions, which secured him notice.
Indeed, he was beginning to make his mark as an authority on the
subject. So far, however, his life had been one of economy and
self-denial, and although Lansing's dwelling was not characterized by
any very marked signs of culture or luxury, it was different from the
surroundings to which Singleton was accustomed. His hostess was
staidly cordial and at once set him at his ease; Sylvia was a
revelation. Her piquant prettiness and her charm of manner dazzled
him. She played her part well, not merely because she had agreed to do
so, but because it was one that strongly appealed to her nature.

On the second evening of Singleton's visit, he was talking to Sylvia
rather confidentially in the drawing-room, where Mrs. Lansing had left
them, while Herbert was seated at a table in his library with a cigar
in his hand and a litter of papers in front of him. He was thinking
hard, and rubber occupied the foremost place in his mind. He was a
director of a company, formed to exploit a strip of rubber-bearing
territory in the tropics, which had hitherto been successful; but he
felt that it was time to retire from the position and realize the
profit on his shares. There was another company he and some associates
had arranged to launch, but he was now very doubtful whether this would
be wise. Rubber exploitations were overdone; there were signs that
investors were losing their confidence. Withdrawal, however, was
difficult, for it must be quietly effected without breaking prices by
any unusual sales. It was therefore desirable that other holders
should cling to their shares, and any fresh buying by outsiders would,
of course, be so much the better. This was one reason why he had
suggested a purchase to Bland.

Opening a book, he noted the amount of stock standing in George's name.
This had been purchased by Herbert, who had been given such authority
by his cousin at a time when the directors' position needed
strengthening, though it had been necessary to dispose of sound shares,
yielding a small return. The prompt sale of this stock would secure
George a moderate profit, but after some consideration Herbert decided
that it should remain. He had no wish that George should suffer, but
his own interests stood first. Then he carefully st