"
The banker smiled. "My daughter has had a wide education for a
child. She has travelled, she speaks five languages--and yet,
underneath it all she is a Garavel and hence a Panamanian. She is
all I have, and my life is hers."
"When we are settled in our new house we hope to see something of
you both."
"You have effected a lease of the Martinez home, I believe?"
"Yes. Do you know it?"
"As my own. You are indeed fortunate to secure so fine a place. I
wish that in some way I might be of service to you."
"The wish is mutual," Cortlandt answered, meaningly, but Senor
Garavel concealed any recognition of the tone by a formal bow, and
the meal progressed with only the customary small talk to enliven
it.
As soon as the three had adjourned to the Cortlandt's suite the
host of the evening proceeded to approach the subject in his mind
as directly as the circumstances permitted. Through a series of
natural transitions the conversation was brought around to
politics, and Garavel was adroitly sounded. But he displayed
little interest, maintaining a reserve that baffled them. It was
impossible to betray him into an expression of feeling favorable
to their views. When at last he consented to show his awareness of
the suggestion so constantly held out, he spoke with deliberate
intention.
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