You should have closed then. I have changed
my mind. Your offer--whatever it may be--is declined.
"I also approve," Kay murmured, and in the swift glance she exchanged
with Don Miguel he read something that caused his heart to beat
happily. Mrs. Parker took the paper from her daughter's hand and read
it also.
"Very well, Ajax. I think, we all think a great deal more of you for
defying the lightning," was her sole comment.
Despite his calm, John Parker was irritated to the point of fury. He
felt that he had been imposed upon by Don Mike; his great god,
business, had been scandalously flouted.
"I am at a loss to understand, Mr. Farrel," he said, coldly, "why you
have subjected me to the incivility of requesting from me an offer in
writing and then refusing to read it when I comply with your request.
Why subject me to that annoyance when you knew you intended to refuse
any offer I might make you? I do not relish your flippancy at my
expense, sir."
"Do you not think, sir, that I can afford a modicum of flippancy when I
pay such a fearfully high price for it?" Don Mike countered smilingly.
"I'll bet a new hat my pleasantry cost me not less than four hundred
thousand dollars. I think I'll make certain," and he opened Parker's
envelope and read what was contained therein. "Hum-m! Three hundred
and twenty-five thousand?"
Parker extended his hand. "I would be obliged to you for the return of
that letter," he began, but paused, confused, at Farrel's cheerful,
mocking grin.
Pages:
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263