“If you won't read it to me, let me read it myself.” He crumpled it into his pocket hurriedly, as though he feared that she would snatch it from him. When all was safe, he turned toward the mantel-shelf, hunting for a match. “Why did you do that?” “It was addressed to me, wasn't it? Barrington don't let his wife read his letters, I'll bet. Neither do I; I'm not a lawyer's clerk in an office any longer--I'm going to be a big man.” “But what did he say?” Forced to answer, Ocky became reproachful. “Duchess, you're suspecting me again--you remember what you promised the other night. He says he wants to see me--thinks there may be something in my plan. Daresay, he'll offer to put money into it. You may bet, this little boy won't let him. Of course on the surface he advises caution.” “If that's all, why can't you let me read his letter?” “Because if I did, I'd be acting as though you didn't trust me. You could have read it with pleasure, if you hadn't made such a fuss.” Jehane knew his weak obstinacy of old and gave up the contest. “You won't see him, of course--unless he comes to the house.” “Don't know about that.” “But you were so emphatic.” “I can change my mind, can't I? His letter puts a different complexion on it.” “But, Ocky, Barrington isn't two-faced. He doesn't say one thing to me and another thing to you. He may be awkward, but he isn't underhand. If he's in favor of your schemes now, he must have heard something that's changed him.” “Not a doubt of it. Very soon a good many people who've thought me small beer'll hear something.” “But you've not answered my question. Where are you going to see him?” “Oh, maybe at his office.” Whistling, with feigned cheerfulness, he strolled out. As she watched him slouch down the road, her fingers itched to correct the angle of his hat. That night she searched his pockets and found the letter. It read, “_Mr. Wagstaff has told me the truth. You must meet me at my place of business at twelve to-morrow_.” It was capable of the construction her husband had put on it; it was capable of many others. Feeling through the coat next morning, searching for his tobacco-pouch, Ocky was shrewd enough to notice that the letter was in its envelope. Such neatness was not his habit. When he came back in the evening from seeing Barrington and Jehane enquired what he had been doing, he handed her the letter with generous frankness. “You can read it now. I wanted to be sure before I told you. I was right. Barrington's been talking to Wagstaif and has heard all about it. Oh yes, I can tell you, he's a very different Barrington.” “How?” “He's discovered that Ocky Waffles Esquire is a person to be respected.” She scorned herself for her mean suspicions. He deserved an atonement. “Ocky, darling, I'm so glad.” As her arms went about him, he patted her on the back. “That's all right, old Duchess. You'll believe in me now--eh?”