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E. W. Hornung: The Amateur Cracksman8. THE GIFT OF THE EMPEROR (continued)And we said no more about the emperor's gift; for pride thrives on an empty pocket, and no privation would have drawn from me the proposal which I had expected Raffles to make. My expectation had been half a hope, though I only knew it now. But neither did we touch again on what Raffles professed to have forgotten--my "apostasy," my "lapse into virtue," as he had been pleased to call it. We were both a little silent, a little constrained, each preoccupied with his own thoughts. It was months since we had met, and, as I saw him off towards eleven o'clock that Sunday night, I fancied it was for more months that we were saying good-by. But as we waited for the train I saw those clear eyes peering at me under the station lamps, and when I met their glance Raffles shook his head. "You don't look well on it, Bunny," said he. "I never did believe in this Thames Valley. You want a change of air." I wished I might get it. "What you really want is a sea voyage." "And a winter at St. Moritz, or do you recommend Cannes or Cairo? It's all very well, A. J., but you forget what I told you about my funds." "I forget nothing. I merely don't want to hurt your feelings. But, look here, a sea voyage you shall have. I want a change myself, and you shall come with me as my guest. We'll spend July in the Mediterranean." "But you're playing cricket--" "Hang the cricket!" "Well, if I thought you meant it--" "Of course I mean it. Will you come?" "Like a shot--if you go." This is page 139 of 164. [Mark this Page] Mark any page to add this title to Your Bookshelf. (0 / 10 books on shelf) Buy a copy of The Amateur Cracksman at Amazon.com
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