CHAPTER X — MR FISKER’S SUCCESS

Mr Fisker was fully satisfied with the progress he had made, but he never quite succeeded in reconciling Paul Montague to the whole transaction.  Mr Melmotte was indeed so great a reality, such a fact in the commercial world of London, that it was no longer possible for such a one as Montague to refuse to believe in the scheme.  Melmotte had the telegraph at his command, and had been able to make as close inquiries as though San Francisco and Salt Lake City had been suburbs of London.  He was chairman of the British branch of the Company, and had had shares allocated to him,—­or, as he said, to the house,—­to the extent of two millions of dollars.  But still there was a feeling of doubt, and a consciousness...