But all that, as I tell him, is a thing of the past. His creditors
have agreed to look to me and wait."
"All of them?" queried Nicholas.
"All of them I could discover," laughed Jan.
Nicholas Snyders pushed back his chair and looked at Jan with a smile
upon his wrinkled face. "And so you and Christina have arranged it
all?"
"With your consent, sir," answered Jan.
"You will wait for that?" asked Nicholas.
"We should like to have it, sir." Jan smiled, but the tone of his
voice fell agreeably on Nicholas Snyders' ear. Nicholas Snyders loved
best beating the dog that, growled and showed its teeth.
"Better not wait for that," said Nicholas Snyders. "You might have to
wait long."
Jan rose, an angry flush upon his face. "So nothing changes you,
Nicholas Snyders. Have it your own way, then."
"You will marry her in spite of me?"
"In spite of you and of your friends the fiends, and of your master
the Devil!" flung out Jan. For Jan had a soul that was generous and
brave and tender and excessively short-tempered. Even the best of
souls have their failings.
"I am sorry," said old Nicholas.
"I am glad to hear it," answered Jan.
"I am sorry for your mother," explained Nicholas. "The poor dame, I
fear, will be homeless in her old age.
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