The Face and the Mask by Robert Barr (beach read book txt) 📖

“Then I think in an important matter like this Mr. Rogers, or someone who knows the business as thoroughly as he does, would be able to give you advice that would be of some value.”

“I don’t want advice exactly. I have made up my mind to have a partner, if the partner is willing.”

Denham mopped his brow. It was going to be even more difficult than he had anticipated.

“Is it, then, a question of the capital the partner is to bring in?” asked Miss Gale, anxious to help him.

“No, no. I don’t wish any capital. I have enough for both. And the business is very prosperous, Miss Gale—and—and has been.”

The young woman raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“You surely don’t intend to share the profits with a partner who brings no capital into the business?”

“Yes—yes, I do. You see, as I said, I have no need for more capital.”

“Oh, if that is the case, I think you should consult Mr. Rogers before you commit yourself.”

“But Rogers wouldn’t understand.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand either. It seems to me a foolish thing to do—that is, if you want my advice.”

“Oh, yes, I want it. But it isn’t as foolish as you think. I should have had a partner long ago. That is where I made the mistake. I’ve made up my mind on that.”

“Then I don’t see that I can be of any use—if your mind is already made up.”

“Oh, yes, you can. I’m a little afraid that my offer may not be accepted.”

“It is sure to be, if the man has any sense. No fear of such an offer being refused! Offers like that are not to be had every day. It will be accepted.”

“Do you really think so, Miss Gale? I am glad that is your opinion. Now, what I wanted to consult you about, is the form of the offer. I would like to put it—well—delicately, you know, so that it would not be refused, nor give offence.”

“I see. You want me to write a letter to him?”

“Exactly, exactly,” cried Denham with some relief. He had not thought of sending a letter before. Now, he wondered why he had not thought of it. It was so evidently the best way out of a situation that was extremely disconcerting.

“Have you spoken to him about it?”

“To him? What him?”

“To your future partner, about the proposal?”

“No, no. Oh, no. That is—I have spoken to nobody but you.”

“And you are determined not to speak to Mr. Rogers before you write?”

“Certainly not. It’s none of Roger’s business.”

“Oh, very well,” said Miss Gale shortly, bending over her writing-pad.

It was evident that her opinion of Denham’s wisdom was steadily lowering. Suddenly, she looked up.

“How much shall I say the annual profits are? Or do you want that mentioned?”

“I—I don’t think I would mention that. You see, I don’t wish this arrangement to be carried out on a monetary basis—not altogether.”

“On what basis then?”

“Well—I can hardly say. On a personal basis, perhaps. I rather hope that the person—that my partner—would, you know, like to be associated with me.”

“On a friendly basis, do you mean?” asked Miss Gale, mercilessly.

“Certainly. Friendly, of course—and perhaps more than that.”

Miss Gale looked up at him with a certain hopelessness of expression.

“Why not write a note inviting your future partner to call upon you here, or anywhere else that would be convenient, and then discuss the matter?”

Denham looked frightened.

“I thought of that, but it wouldn’t do. No; it wouldn’t do. I would much rather settle everything by correspondence.”

“I am afraid I shall not be able to compose a letter that will suit you. There seem to be so many difficulties. It is very unusual.”

“That is true, and that is why I knew no one but you could help me, Miss Gale. If it pleases you, it will please me.”

Miss Gale shook her head, but, after a few moments, she said, “How will this do?”

“Dear Sir”—

“Wait a moment,” cried Mr. Denham; “that seems rather a formal opening, doesn’t it? How would it read if you put it ‘Dear friend’?”

“If you wish it so.” She crossed out the “sir” and substituted the word suggested. Then, she read the letter:

“Dear Friend,—I have for some time past been desirous of taking a partner, and would be glad if you would consider the question and consent to join me in this business. The business is, and has been for several years, very prosperous, and, as I shall require no capital from you, I think you will find my offer a very advantageous one. I will——”

“I—I don’t think I would put it quite that way.” said Denham, with some hesitation. “It reads as if I were offering everything, and that my partner—well, you see what I mean.”

“It’s the truth,” said Miss Gale, defiantly.

“Better put it on the friendly basis, as you suggested a moment ago.”

“I didn’t suggest anything, Mr. Denham. Perhaps it would be better if you would dictate the letter exactly as you want it. I knew I could not write one that would please you.”

“It does please me, but I’m thinking of my future partner. You are doing first-rate—better than I could do. But just put it on the friendly basis.”

A moment later she read:

“... join me in this business. I make you this offer entirely from a friendly, and not from a financial, standpoint, hoping that you like me well enough to be associated with me.”

“Anything else, Mr. Denham?”

“No. I think that covers the whole ground. It will look rather short, type-written, won’t it? Perhaps you might add something to show that I shall be exceedingly disappointed if my offer is not accepted.”

“No fear,” said Miss Gale. “I’ll add that though. ‘Yours truly,’ or 'Yours very truly’?”

“You might end it ‘Your friend.’”

The rapid click of the typewriter was heard for a few moments in