For the firm of Thomlinson & Shields were of recent origin, without
ancestry, boasting an existence of only some thirty-five years, and, as
one might expect of a firm of such recent origin, characterised by the
commercialising modern spirit in its most pronounced and objectionable
form. Mr. Rae, of course, would never condescend to hostile criticism,
dismissing Messrs. Thomlinson & Shields from the conversation with the
single remark, "Pushing, Sir, very pushing, indeed."
It was, then, no small humiliation for Mr. Rae to be forced to accept
a favour from Mr. Thomlinson. "Had it been any other than Cameron," he
said to himself, as he sat in his somewhat dingy and dusty office,
"I would let him swither. But Cameron! I must see to it and at once."
Behind the name there rose before Mr. Rae's imagination a long line
of brave men and fair women for whose name and fame and for whose good
estate it had been his duty and the duty of those who had preceded him
in office to assume responsibility.
"Young fool! Much he cares for the honour of his family! I wonder what's
at the bottom of this business! Looks ugly! Decidedly ugly! The first
thing is to find him." A messenger had failed to discover young Cameron
at his lodgings, and had brought back the word that for a week he
had not been seen there.
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