Squercum sat at a desk, covered with papers in chaotic confusion, on a chair which moved on a pivot.

Squercum sat at a desk covered with papers in chaotic confusion, on a swivel chair.


His desk was against the wall, and when clients came to him, he turned himself sharp round, sticking out his dirty shoes, throwing himself back till his body was an inclined plane, with his hands thrust into his pockets.

When clients came to him, he turned himself sharp round, sticking out his dirty shoes, and throwing himself back with his hands thrust into his pockets.


In this attitude he would listen to his client's story, and would himself speak as little as possible.


It was by his instructions that Dolly had insisted on getting his share of the purchase money for Pickering into his own hands, so that the incumbrance on his own property might be paid off.


He now listened as Dolly told him of the delay in the payment.

He now listened as Dolly told him of the delay in the payment for Pickering.


Then Dolly informed him how the tradesmen of the great financier had already half knocked down the house.

Dolly informed him how tradesmen had already half knocked down the house.


Squercum still listened, and promised to look to it.


He did ask what authority Dolly had given for the surrender of the title-deeds.

asked what authority Dolly had given for the surrender of the title-deeds.


Dolly declared that he had given authority for the sale, but none for the surrender.


His father, some time since, had put before him, for his signature, a letter, prepared in Mr. Bideawhile's office, which Dolly said that he had refused even to read, and certainly had not signed.

Some time ago his father had put before him, for his signature, a letter prepared in Mr. Bideawhile's office, which Dolly said that he had refused even to read, and certainly had not signed.


Squercum again said that he'd look to it, and bowed Dolly out of his room.

Squercum said that he'd look into it, and bowed Dolly out of his room.


"They've got him to sign something when he was tight," said Squercum to himself, knowing something of the habits of his client.

"They've got him to sign something when he was drunk," said Squercum to himself, knowing something of his client's habits.


"I wonder whether his father did it, or old Bideawhile, or Melmotte himself?"


Mr. Squercum was inclined to think that Bideawhile would not have done it, that Melmotte could have had no opportunity, and that the father must have been the practitioner.


"It's not the trick of a pompous old fool either," said Mr. Squercum, in his soliloquy.


He went to work, however, making himself detestably odious among the very respectable clerks in Mr. Bideawhile's office,--men who considered themselves to be altogether superior to Squercum himself in professional standing.

He went to work, however, making himself detestably odious among the very respectable clerks in Mr. Bideawhile's office.


[Illustration: Mr. Squercum in his office.]


And now there came this rumour which was so far particular in its details that it inferred the forgery, of which it accused Mr. Melmotte, to his mode of acquiring the Pickering property.

And now there came this rumour which accused Mr. Melmotte of forgery in his mode of acquiring the Pickering property.


The nature of the forgery was of course described in various ways,--as was also the signature said to have been forged.

The nature of the forgery was described in various ways.


But there were many who believed, or almost believed, that something wrong had been done,--that some great fraud had been committed; and in connection with this it was ascertained,--by some as a matter of certainty,--that the Pickering estate had been already mortgaged by Melmotte to its full value at an assurance office.

But there were many who believed that some great fraud had been committed; and it was ascertained that the Pickering estate had already been mortgaged by Melmotte to its full value - a


In such a transaction there would be nothing dishonest; but as this place had been bought for the great man's own family use, and not as a speculation, even this report of the mortgage tended to injure his credit.


And then, as the day went on, other tidings were told as to other properties.

As the day went on, other news was told about other properties.


Houses in the East-end of London were said to have been bought and sold, without payment of the purchase money as to the buying, and with receipt of the purchase money as to the selling.

Houses in the East-end of London were said to have been bought and sold, without payment of the purchase money when buying, and with receipt of the purchase money when selling.


It was certainly true that Squercum himself had seen the letter in Mr. Bideawhile's office which conveyed to the father's lawyer the son's sanction for the surrender of the title-deeds, and that that letter, prepared in Mr. Bideawhile's office, purported to have Dolly's signature.

Squercum himself saw the letter in Mr. Bideawhile's office which gave the son's permission for the surrender of the title-deeds. That letter purported to have Dolly's signature.


Squercum said but little, remembering that his client was not always clear in the morning as to anything he had done on the preceding evening.

Squercum knew that his client was not always clear in the morning as to anything he had done on the preceding evening.


But the signature, though it was scrawled as Dolly always scrawled it, was not like the scrawl of a drunken man.


The letter was said to have been sent to Mr. Bideawhile's office with other letters and papers, direct from old Mr. Longestaffe.


Such was the statement made at first to Mr. Squercum by the Bideawhile party, who at that moment had no doubt of the genuineness of the letter or of the accuracy of their statement.

Such was the statement made at first by the Bideawhiles, who had no doubt of the genuineness of the letter or of the accuracy of their statement.


Then Squercum saw his client again, and returned to the charge at Bideawhile's office, with the positive assurance that the signature was a forgery.


Dolly, when questioned by Squercum, quite admitted his propensity to be "tight."


He had no reticence, no feeling of disgrace on such matters.


But he had signed no letter when he was tight.

insisted that he had signed no letter when he was tight.


"Never did such a thing in my life, and nothing could make me," said Dolly.


"I'm never tight except at the club, and the letter couldn't have been there.


I'll be drawn and quartered if I ever signed it.


Dolly was intent on going to his father at once, on going to Melmotte at once, on going to Bideawhile's at once, and making there "no end of a row,"--but Squercum stopped him.

Dolly was intent on going at once to his father, or Melmotte or Bideawhile's, and making "no end of a row," but Squercum stopped him.


"We'll just ferret this thing out quietly," said Squercum, who perhaps thought that there would be high honour in discovering the peccadillos of so great a man as Mr. Melmotte.

"We'll just ferret this thing out quietly," he said.


Mr. Longestaffe, the father, had heard nothing of the matter till the Saturday after his last interview with Melmotte in the City.


He had then called at Bideawhile's office in Lincoln's Inn Fields, and had been shown the letter.

He had then called at Bideawhile's office, and was shown the letter.


He declared at once that he had never sent the letter to Mr. Bideawhile.


He had begged his son to sign the letter and his son had refused.

He had begged his son to sign it and his son had refused.


He did not at that moment distinctly remember what he had done with the letter unsigned.

He did not distinctly remember what he had done with the unsigned letter.


He believed he had left it with the other papers; but it was possible that his son might have taken it away.


He acknowledged that at the time he had been both angry and unhappy.


He didn't think that he could have sent the letter back unsigned,--but he was not sure.


He had more than once been in his own study in Bruton Street since Mr. Melmotte had occupied the house,--by that gentleman's leave,--having left various papers there under his own lock and key.

He had more than once been in his own study in Bruton Street since Mr. Melmotte had occupied the house, having left various papers there under his own lock and key.


Indeed it had been matter of agreement that he should have access to his own study when he let the house.

It had been agreed when he let the house that he should have access to his study.


He thought it probable that he would have kept back the unsigned letter, and have kept it under lock and key, when he sent away the other papers.

He thought it probable that he would have kept the unsigned letter locked up there, when he sent away the other papers.


Then reference was made to Mr. Longestaffe's own letter to the lawyer, and it was found that he had not even alluded to that which his son had been asked to sign; but that he had said, in his own usually pompous style, that Mr. Longestaffe, junior, was still prone to create unsubstantial difficulties.

On looking at Mr. Longestaffe's own letter to the lawyer, it was found that he had not even alluded to that which his son had been asked to sign; but that he had said that his son was still creating difficulties.


Mr. Bideawhile was obliged to confess that there had been a want of caution among his own people.

Mr. Bideawhile was obliged to confess that there had been a lack of caution among his own people.


This allusion to the creation of difficulties by Dolly, accompanied, as it was supposed to have been, by Dolly's letter doing away with all difficulties, should have attracted notice.

This allusion to the creation of difficulties by Dolly, accompanied by Dolly's supposed letter doing away with all difficulties, should have attracted notice.


Dolly's letter must have come in a separate envelope; but such envelope could not be found, and the circumstance was not remembered by the clerk.

Dolly's letter must have come in a separate envelope; but the envelope could not be found.


The clerk who had prepared the letter for Dolly's signature represented himself as having been quite satisfied when the letter came again beneath his notice with Dolly's well-known signature.


Such were the facts as far as they were known at Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile's office,--from whom no slightest rumour emanated; and as they had been in part collected by Squercum, who was probably less prudent.

Such were the facts as far as they were known at Slow and Bideawhile's office.


The Bideawhiles were still perfectly sure that Dolly had signed the letter, believing the young man to be quite incapable of knowing on any day what he had done on the day before.


Squercum was quite sure that his client had not signed it.


And it must be owned on Dolly's behalf that his manner on this occasion was qualified to convince.

And certainly Dolly's manner on this occasion was convincing.


"Yes," he said to Squercum; "it's easy saying that I'm lack-a-daisical.

"Yes," he said to Squercum; "I'm lack-a-daisical.


But I know when I'm lack-a-daisical and when I'm not.


Awake or asleep, drunk or sober, I never signed that letter."


It would be hard to say how the rumour first got into the City on this Monday morning.


Though the elder Longestaffe had first heard of the matter only on the previous Saturday, Mr. Squercum had been at work for above a week.


Mr. Squercum's little matter alone might hardly have attracted the attention which certainly was given on this day to Mr. Melmotte's private affairs;--but other facts coming to light assisted Squercum's views.

Mr. Squercum's little matter alone might hardly have attracted any attention; but other facts were coming to light about Melmotte's affairs.


A great many shares of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway had been thrown upon the market, all of which had passed through the hands of Mr. Cohenlupe;--and Mr. Cohenlupe in the City had been all to Mr. Melmotte as Lord Alfred had been at the West End.

A great many shares of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway had been thrown upon the market, all of which had passed through the hands of Mr. Cohenlupe.


Then there was the mortgage of this Pickering property, for which the money certainly had not been paid; and there was the traffic with half a street of houses near the Commercial Road, by which a large sum of money had come into Mr. Melmotte's hands.

Then there was the mortgage of this Pickering property, for which the money certainly had not been paid; and there was the sale of half a street of houses near the Commercial Road, by which a large sum of money had come into Mr. Melmotte's hands.


There were many who thought that it would all be right.


There were not a few who expressed the most thorough contempt for these rumours.

, and expressed contempt for these rumours.


But it was felt to be a pity that Mr. Melmotte was not in the City.


The Lord Mayor had even made up his mind that he would not go to the dinner.

The Lord Mayor had made up his mind that he would not go


What one of his brother aldermen said to him about leaving others in the lurch might be quite true; but, as his lordship remarked, Melmotte was a commercial man, and as these were commercial transactions it behoved the Lord Mayor of London to be more careful than other men.

, feeling that he needed to be more careful than other men.


He had always had his doubts, and he would not go.


Others of the chosen few of the City who had been honoured with commands to meet the Emperor resolved upon absenting themselves unless the Lord Mayor went.

Others of the chosen few of the City who had been honoured with invitations resolved to absent themselves unless the Lord Mayor went.


The affair was very much discussed, and there were no less than six declared City defaulters.

The affair was much discussed, and six City men defaulted.


At the last moment a seventh was taken ill and sent a note to Miles Grendall excusing himself, which was thrust into the secretary's hands just as the Emperor arrived.

A seventh was taken ill and sent a note to Miles Grendall excusing himself.


But a reverse worse than this took place;--a defalcation more injurious to the Melmotte interests generally even than that which was caused either by the prudence or by the cowardice of the City Magnates.

But there was a reverse worse than this, and more injurious to Melmotte.


The House of Commons, at its meeting, had heard the tidings in an exaggerated form.

The House of Commons had heard the tidings in an exaggerated form.


It was whispered about that Melmotte had been detected in forging the deed of conveyance of a large property, and that he had already been visited by policemen.

It was whispered that Melmotte had been detected in forging the deed of conveyance of a large property, and that he had already been visited by policemen.


By some it was believed that the Great Financier would lie in the hands of the Philistines while the Emperor of China was being fed at his house.


In the third edition of the "Evening Pulpit" came out a mysterious paragraph which nobody could understand but they who had known all about it before.

The Evening Pulpit contained a mysterious paragraph:


"A rumour is prevalent that frauds to an enormous extent have been committed by a gentleman whose name we are particularly unwilling to mention.

"A rumour is prevalent that enormous frauds have been committed by a gentleman whose name we are unwilling to mention.


If it be so it is indeed remarkable that they should have come to light at the present moment.

If it be so it is remarkable that they should have come to light at the present moment."


We cannot trust ourselves to say more than this."


No one likes even to have dined with a swindler,--especially to have dined with him at a time when his swindling was known or suspected.


The Emperor of China no doubt was going to dine with this man.


The motions of Emperors are managed with such ponderous care that it was held to be impossible now to save the country from what would doubtless be felt to be a disgrace if it should hereafter turn out that a forger had been solicited to entertain the imperial guest of the country.

The motions of Emperors are managed with such ponderous care that it was held to be impossible now to save the country from the disgrace that would be felt if it turned out that he had been entertained by a forger.


Nor was the thing as yet so far certain as to justify such a charge, were it possible.


But many men were unhappy in their minds.


How would the story be told hereafter if Melmotte should be allowed to play out his game of host to the Emperor, and be arrested for forgery as soon as the Eastern Monarch should have left his house?

How would the story be told hereafter if Melmotte should be arrested for forgery as soon as the Eastern Monarch had left his house?


How would the brother of the Sun like the remembrance of the banquet which he had been instructed to honour with his presence?


How would it tell in all the foreign newspapers, in New York, in Paris, and Vienna, that this man who had been cast forth from the United States, from France, and from Austria had been selected as the great and honourable type of British Commerce?

How would it be told in all the foreign newspapers, that this man had been selected as the great and honourable type of British Commerce?


There were those in the House who thought that the absolute consummation of the disgrace might yet be avoided, and who were of opinion that the dinner should be "postponed."

There were those in the House who thought that disgrace might yet be avoided, and that the dinner should be "postponed."


The leader of the Opposition had a few words on the subject with the Prime Minister.


"It is the merest rumour," said the Prime Minister.


"I have inquired, and there is nothing to justify me in thinking that the charges can be substantiated."


"They say that the story is believed in the City."


"I should not feel myself justified in acting upon such a report.


The Prince might probably find it impossible not to go.


Where should we be if Mr. Melmotte to-morrow were able to prove the whole to be a calumny, and to show that the thing had been got up with a view of influencing the election at Westminster?

Where should we be if Mr. Melmotte tomorrow were able to prove the whole thing was a calumny, got up to influence the election at Westminster?


"Most assuredly," said the Prime Minister.


"And I hope that you will keep me in countenance."


His political antagonist declared with a smile that at such a crisis he would not desert his honourable friend;--but he could not answer for his followers.

His political antagonist declared with a smile that he would not desert his honourable friend; but he could not answer for his followers.


There was, he admitted, a strong feeling among the leaders of the Conservative party of distrust in Melmotte.

He admitted that many leaders of the Conservative party distrusted Melmotte,


He considered it probable that among his friends who had been invited there would be some who would be unwilling to meet even the Emperor of China on the existing terms.

and would be unwilling to go, even to meet the Emperor of China.


"They should remember," said the Prime Minister, "that they are also to meet their own Prince, and that empty seats on such an occasion will be a dishonour to him."

"They should remember," said the Prime Minister, "that they are also to meet their own Prince, and that empty seats will be a dishonour to him."


"Just at present I can only answer for myself," said the leader of the Opposition.--At that moment even the Prime Minister was much disturbed in his mind; but in such emergencies a Prime Minister can only choose the least of two evils.

"I can only answer for myself," said the leader of the Opposition.
The Prime Minister was much disturbed; but he could only choose the lesser of two evils.


To have taken the Emperor to dine with a swindler would be very bad; but to desert him, and to stop the coming of the Emperor and all the Princes on a false rumour, would be worse.

To have taken the Emperor to dine with a swindler would be very bad; but to stop the coming of the Emperor on a false rumour, would be worse.


It was very generally said in the city about this time that the Great South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway was the very best thing out.

It was said in the city at this time that the Great South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway was the very best thing out.


It was known that Mr. Melmotte had gone into it with heart and hand.


There were many who declared,--with gross injustice to the Great Fisker,--that the railway was Melmotte's own child, that he had invented it, advertised it, agitated it, and floated it; but it was not the less popular on that account.


A railway from Salt Lake City to Mexico no doubt had much of the flavour of a castle in Spain.


Our far-western American brethren are supposed to be imaginative.


Mexico has not a reputation among us for commercial security, or that stability which produces its four, five, or six per cent.

Mexico has not a reputation for commercial security, or stability.


But there was the Panama railway, a small affair which had paid twenty-five per cent.

But the Panama railway had paid twenty-five per cent


; and there was the great line across the continent to San Francisco, in which enormous fortunes had been made.

; and in the great line across the continent to San Francisco, enormous fortunes had been made.


It came to be believed that men with their eyes open might do as well with the Great South Central as had ever been done before with other speculations, and this belief was no doubt founded on Mr. Melmotte's partiality for the enterprise.

It was believed that the Great South Central might be just as successful, and this belief was no doubt founded on Mr. Melmotte's support for the enterprise.


Mr. Fisker had "struck 'ile" when he induced his partner, Montague, to give him a note to the great man.


Paul Montague himself, who cannot be said to have been a man having his eyes open, in the city sense of the word, could not learn how the thing was progressing.

Paul Montague, however, could not learn how the thing was progressing.


At the regular meetings of the Board, which never sat for above half an hour, two or three papers were read by Miles Grendall.

At the regular half-hour meetings of the Board, two or three papers were read by Miles Grendall


Melmotte himself would speak a few slow words, intended to be cheery, and always indicative of triumph, and then everybody would agree to everything, somebody would sign something, and the "Board" for that day would be over.

; Melmotte would speak a few slow words, indicative of triumph, and then everybody would agree to everything, somebody would sign something, and the "Board" for that day would be over.


To Paul Montague this was very unsatisfactory.


More than once or twice he endeavoured to stay the proceedings, not as disapproving, but "simply as desirous of being made to understand;" but the silent scorn of his chairman put him out of countenance, and the opposition of his colleagues was a barrier which he was not strong enough to overcome.

More than once he tried to halt the proceedings, "simply as wishing to understand;" but the silent scorn of his chairman and the opposition of his colleagues were barriers which he was not strong enough to overcome.


Lord Alfred Grendall would declare that he "did not think all that was at all necessary."

Lord Alfred Grendall would declare that he "did not think that was at all necessary."


Lord Nidderdale, with whom Montague had now become intimate at the Beargarden, would nudge him in the ribs and bid him hold his tongue.

Lord Nidderdale would nudge him and bid him hold his tongue.


Mr. Cohenlupe would make a little speech in fluent but broken English, assuring the Committee that everything was being done after the approved city fashion.

Mr. Cohenlupe would make a little speech in fluent but broken English, assuring the Committee that everything was being done in the approved city fashion.


Sir Felix, after the first two meetings, was never there.


And thus Paul Montague, with a sorely burdened conscience, was carried along as one of the Directors of the Great South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway Company.

And thus Paul Montague, with a sorely burdened conscience, was carried along.


I do not know whether the burden was made lighter to him or heavier, by the fact that the immediate pecuniary result was certainly very comfortable.

I do not know whether the burden was made lighter to him, or heavier, by the fact that the immediate financial result was certainly very comfortable.


The Company had not yet been in existence quite six weeks,--or at any rate Melmotte had not been connected with it above that time,--and it had already been suggested to him twice that he should sell fifty shares at 112 10_s_.

The Company had only existed six weeks, and it had already been suggested to him twice that he should sell fifty shares at 112 10s.


He did not even yet know how many shares he possessed, but on both occasions he consented to the proposal, and on the following day received a cheque for 625,--that sum representing the profit over and above the original nominal price of 100 a share.

He did not even know how many shares he possessed, but on both occasions he consented, and on the following day received a cheque for 625 - representing the profit above the original price of 100 a share.


The suggestion was made to him by Miles Grendall, and when he asked some questions as to the manner in which the shares had been allocated, he was told that all that would be arranged in accordance with the capital invested and must depend on the final disposition of the Californian property.

When he asked Miles Grendall how the shares had been allocated, he was told it would be arranged in accordance with the capital invested and must depend on the final disposition of the Californian property.


"But from what we see, old fellow," said Miles, "I don't think you have anything to fear.


You seem to be about the best in of them all.


Melmotte wouldn't advise you to sell out gradually, if he didn't look upon the thing as a certain income as far as you are concerned."

Melmotte wouldn't advise you to sell out gradually, if he didn't see it as a certain income as far as you are concerned."


Paul Montague understood nothing of all this, and felt that he was standing on ground which might be blown from under his feet at any moment.


The uncertainty, and what he feared might be the dishonesty, of the whole thing, made him often very miserable.


In those wretched moments his conscience was asserting itself.


But again there were times in which he also was almost triumphant, and in which he felt the delight of his wealth.

But there were times in which he also felt the delight of his wealth.


Though he was snubbed at the Board when he wanted explanations, he received very great attention outside the board-room from those connected with the enterprise.

Though he was snubbed at the Board when he wanted explanations, outside the Board-room the Directors were attentive.


Melmotte had asked him to dine two or three times.


Mr. Cohenlupe had begged him to go down to his little place at Rickmansworth,--an entreaty with which Montague had not as yet complied.

Mr. Cohenlupe had begged him to go down to his little place at Rickmansworth.


Lord Alfred was always gracious to him, and Nidderdale and Carbury were evidently anxious to make him one of their set at the club.

Lord Alfred was gracious, and Nidderdale and Carbury were evidently anxious to make him one of their set at the Beargarden.


Many other houses became open to him from the same source.


Though Melmotte was supposed to be the inventor of the railway, it was known that Fisker, Montague, and Montague were largely concerned in it, and it was known also that Paul Montague was one of the Montagues named in that firm.


People, both in the City and the West End, seemed to think that he knew all about it, and treated him as though some of the manna falling from that heaven were at his disposition.


There were results from this which were not unpleasing to the young man.


He only partially resisted the temptation; and though determined at times to probe the affair to the bottom, was so determined only at times.


Certainly the money was very pleasant to him.


The period would now soon arrive before which he understood himself to be pledged not to make a distinct offer to Henrietta Carbury; and when that period should have been passed, it would be delightful to him to know that he was possessed of property sufficient to enable him to give a wife a comfortable home.

The time would soon arrive before which he had promised not to make an offer to Henrietta Carbury; and when it did, it would be delightful to him to know that he possessed enough property to give a wife a comfortable home.


In all his aspirations, and in all his fears, he was true to Hetta Carbury, and made her the centre of his hopes.

In all his aspirations and fears, he was true to Hetta Carbury, and made her the centre of his hopes.


Nevertheless, had Hetta known everything, it may be feared that she would have at any rate endeavoured to dismiss him from her heart.

Nevertheless, had Hetta known everything, she might have tried to dismiss him from her heart.


There was considerable uneasiness in the bosoms of others of the Directors, and a disposition to complain against the Grand Director, arising from a grievance altogether different from that which afflicted Montague.

The other Directors, however, had a grievance against Melmotte.


Neither had Sir Felix Carbury nor Lord Nidderdale been invited to sell shares, and consequently neither of them had received any remuneration for the use of their names.

Neither Sir Felix Carbury nor Lord Nidderdale had been invited to sell shares, and consequently neither of them had received any money.


They knew well that Montague had sold shares.


He was quite open on the subject, and had told Felix, whom he hoped some day to regard as his brother-in-law, exactly what shares he had sold, and for how much;--and the two men had endeavoured to make the matter intelligible between themselves.

had told Felix, whom he hoped some day would be his brother-in-law, exactly what shares he had sold, and for how much.


The original price of the shares being 100 each, and 12 10_s._ a share having been paid to Montague as the premium, it was to be supposed that the original capital was re-invested in other shares.

The original price of the shares being 100 each, and 12 10s. a share having been paid to Montague, it was supposed that the original capital was re-invested in other shares.


But each owned to the other that the matter was very complicated to him, and Montague could only write to Hamilton K. Fisker at San Francisco asking for explanation.

But they agreed that the matter was very complicated, and Montague wrote to Hamilton K. Fisker at San Francisco asking for an explanation.


But it was not the wealth flowing into Montague's hands which embittered Nidderdale and Carbury.


They understood that he had really brought money into the concern, and was therefore entitled to take money out of it.


Nor did it occur to them to grudge Melmotte his more noble pickings, for they knew how great a man was Melmotte.

Nor did it occur to them to grudge Melmotte his pickings,


Of Cohenlupe's doings they heard nothing; but he was a regular city man, and had probably supplied funds.

and of Cohenlupe's doings they heard nothing.


Cohenlupe was too deep for their inquiry.


But they knew that Lord Alfred had sold shares, and had received the profit; and they knew also how utterly impossible it was that Lord Alfred should have produced capital.

But they knew that Lord Alfred had sold shares, and had received the profit; and they knew how utterly impossible it was that Lord Alfred should have produced capital.


If Lord Alfred Grendall was entitled to plunder, why were not they?


And if their day for plunder had not yet come, why had Lord Alfred's?


And if there was so much cause to fear Lord Alfred that it was necessary to throw him a bone, why should not they also make themselves feared?


Lord Alfred passed all his time with Melmotte,--had, as these young men said, become Melmotte's head valet,--and therefore had to be paid.


But that reason did not satisfy the young men.


"You haven't sold any shares;--have you?"

"You haven't sold any shares, have you?"


This question Sir Felix asked Lord Nidderdale at the club.


Nidderdale was constant in his attendance at the Board, and Felix was not a little afraid that he might be jockied also by him.


As far as money is concerned my only transaction has been my part of the expense of Fisker's dinner."


"What do you get then, by going into the city?"


I suppose something will turn up some day."


"In the meantime, you know, there are our names.


And Grendall is making a fortune out of it."


"If he's doing so well, I think Miles ought to be made to pay up something of what he owes.

"If he's doing so well, I think Miles ought to pay up something of what he owes.


I think we ought to tell him that we shall expect him to have the money ready when that bill of Vossner's comes round."


"Not that it will be the least good," said Nidderdale.


It would be quite unnatural to him to pay anything."


"Fellows used to pay their gambling debts," said Sir Felix, who was still in funds, and who still held a considerable assortment of I. O.

"Fellows used to pay their gambling debts," said Sir Felix, who still held a considerable assortment of I.O.U.'s.


How did a fellow manage before, if he hadn't got it?"


"He went smash," said Sir Felix, "and disappeared and was never heard of any more.

went smash, and disappeared and was never heard of any more.


It was just the same as if he'd been found cheating.

It was just the same if he was found cheating.


I believe a fellow might cheat now and nobody'd say anything!"


"What's the use of being beastly ill-natured?


I'm not very good at saying my prayers, but I do think there's something in that bit about forgiving people.


Of course cheating isn't very nice: and it isn't very nice for a fellow to play when he knows he can't pay; but I don't know that it's worse than getting drunk like Dolly Longestaffe, or quarrelling with everybody as Grasslough does,--or trying to marry some poor devil of a girl merely because she's got money.


I believe in living in glass houses, but I don't believe in throwing stones.


Well;--yes;--no;--that is, I suppose, I used to do."


"I often think I shouldn't have been the first to pick up a stone and pitch it at that woman.


"But you agree that we ought to do something about these shares?"


said Sir Felix, thinking that this doctrine of forgiveness might be carried too far.


I'll let old Grendall live with all my heart; but then he ought to let me live too.


"It's no good our going to old Grendall," said Lord Nidderdale, who had some understanding in the matter, "nor yet to young Grendall.

It's no good our going to old Grendall," said Lord Nidderdale.


The one would only grunt and say nothing, and the other would tell every lie that came into his head.


The cat in this matter I take to be our great master, Augustus Melmotte."

"We should go to our master, Augustus Melmotte."


This little meeting occurred on the day after Felix Carbury's return from Suffolk, and at a time at which, as we know, it was the great duty of his life to get the consent of old Melmotte to his marriage with Marie Melmotte.

This meeting occurred on the day after Felix Carbury's return from Suffolk, when it was the great duty of his life to get Melmotte's consent to his marriage with Marie.


In doing that he would have to put one bell on the cat, and he thought that for the present that was sufficient.


In his heart of hearts he was afraid of Melmotte.


But then, as he knew very well, Nidderdale was intent on the same object.


Nidderdale, he thought, was a very queer fellow.


That talking about the Bible, and the forgiving of trespasses, was very queer; and that allusion to the marrying of heiresses very queer indeed.


He knew that Nidderdale wanted to marry the heiress, and Nidderdale must also know that he wanted to marry her.


And yet Nidderdale was indelicate enough to talk about it!


And now the man asked who should bell the cat!


"You go there oftener than I do, and perhaps you could do it best," said Sir Felix.

"You go to the Board oftener than I do, and perhaps you could do it best," said Sir Felix.


He'd be civil to me, perhaps, because I'm a lord: but then, for the same reason, he'd think I was the bigger fool of the two."

He'd be civil to me, perhaps, because I'm a lord: but for the same reason, he'd think I was a bigger fool."


"I don't see that at all," said Sir Felix.


"I ain't afraid of him, if you mean that," continued Lord Nidderdale.

"I ain't afraid of him," continued Lord Nidderdale.


"He's a wretched old reprobate, and I don't doubt but he'd skin you and me if he could make money off our carcasses.


But as he can't skin me, I'll have a shy at him.


On the whole I think he rather likes me, because I've always been on the square with him.

On the whole I think he rather likes me, because I've always been square with him.


If it depended on him, you know, I should have the girl to-morrow."

If it depended on him, you know, I should have the girl tomorrow."


Sir Felix did not at all mean to doubt his friend's assertion, but felt it hard to answer so very strange a statement.


"But then she don't want me, and I ain't quite sure that I want her.

"But she don't want me, and I ain't quite sure that I want her.


Where the devil would a fellow find himself if the money wasn't all there?"

Where the devil would a fellow find himself if the money wasn't there?"


Lord Nidderdale then sauntered away, leaving the baronet in a deep study of thought as to such a condition of things as that which his lordship had suggested.

Lord Nidderdale then sauntered away, leaving the baronet deep in thought.


Where the--mischief would he, Sir Felix Carbury, be, if he were to marry the girl, and then to find that the money was not all there?

Where would he, Sir Felix Carbury, be, if he were to marry the girl, and then find that the money was not there?


On the following Friday, which was the Board day, Nidderdale went to the great man's offices in Abchurch Lane, and so contrived that he walked with the great man to the Board meeting.

On the following Friday, which was the Board day, Nidderdale went to the great man's offices in Abchurch Lane, and contrived to walk with the great man to the meeting.


Melmotte was always very gracious in his manner to Lord Nidderdale, but had never, up to this moment, had any speech with his proposed son-in-law about business.

Melmotte was always very gracious to Lord Nidderdale, but had never spoken to him about business.


"I wanted just to ask you something," said the lord, hanging on the chairman's arm.

"I just wanted to ask you something," said Nidderdale.


"Don't you think that Carbury and I ought to have some shares to sell?"


"But why shouldn't we as well as the others?"


"Have you and Sir Felix put any money into it?"


"Well, if you come to that, I don't suppose we have.


"_I_ have taken shares for Lord Alfred," said Melmotte, putting very heavy emphasis on the personal pronoun.

"I have taken shares for Lord Alfred," said Melmotte, with heavy emphasis.


"If it suits me to advance money to Lord Alfred Grendall, I suppose I may do so without asking your lordship's consent, or that of Sir Felix Carbury."

"If it suits me to advance money to Lord Alfred Grendall, I suppose I may do so without your consent, or Sir Felix Carbury's."


I don't want to make inquiry as to what you do with your money."

I don't want to ask what you do with your money."


"I'm sure you don't, and, therefore, we won't say anything more about it.


You wait awhile, Lord Nidderdale, and you'll find it will come all right.

Wait awhile, Lord Nidderdale, and you'll find it will come all right.


If you've got a few thousand pounds loose, and will put them into the concern, why, of course you can sell; and, if the shares are up, can sell at a profit.

If you've got a few thousand pounds loose, and put them into the concern, why, of course you can sell; and, if the shares are up, you can sell at a profit.


It's presumed just at present that, at some early day, you'll qualify for your directorship by doing so, and till that is done, the shares are allocated to you, but cannot be transferred to you."

It's presumed that, at some early day, you'll qualify for your directorship by doing so, and till that is done, the shares are allocated to you, but cannot be transferred to you."


"That's it, is it," said Lord Nidderdale, pretending to understand all about it.

"That's it, is it," said Lord Nidderdale, pretending to understand.


"If things go on as we hope they will between you and Marie, you can have pretty nearly any number of shares that you please;--that is, if your father consents to a proper settlement."

"If things go on as we hope between you and Marie, you can have pretty nearly any number of shares that you please; that is, if your father consents to a proper settlement."


"I hope it'll all go smooth, I'm sure," said Nidderdale.


"Thank you; I'm ever so much obliged to you, and I'll explain it all to Carbury."


When the news of her husband's death was in some very rough way conveyed to Madame Melmotte, it crushed her for the time altogether.

When the news of her husband's death was conveyed to Madame Melmotte, it crushed her altogether.

Chapter 86: The Meeting in Bruton Street


Marie first heard that she no longer had a living parent as she stood by the poor woman's bedside, and she was enabled, as much perhaps by the necessity incumbent upon her of attending to the wretched woman as by her own superior strength of character, to save herself from that prostration and collapse of power which a great and sudden blow is apt to produce.

Marie's superior strength of character, and the need to attend to Madame Melmotte, saved her from prostration.


She stared at the woman who first conveyed to her tidings of the tragedy, and then for a moment seated herself at the bedside.


But the violent sobbings and hysterical screams of Madame Melmotte soon brought her again to her feet, and from that moment she was not only active but efficacious.

Amidst the hysterical sobbings and screams of Madame Melmotte, she was active and effective.


No;--she would not go down to the room; she could do no good by going thither.


They should send for a doctor immediately.


She was then told that a doctor and an inspector of police were already in the rooms below.

, and was told that a doctor and an inspector of police were already in the rooms below.


The necessity of throwing whatever responsibility there might be on to other shoulders had been at once apparent to the servants, and they had sent out right and left, so that the house might be filled with persons fit to give directions in such an emergency.


The officers from the police station were already there when the woman who now filled Didon's place in the house communicated to Madame Melmotte the fact that she was a widow.


It was afterwards said by some of those who had seen her at the time, that Marie Melmotte had shown a hard heart on the occasion.

It was afterwards said by some that Marie Melmotte had shown a hard heart.


Her feeling for her father was certainly not that which we are accustomed to see among our daughters and sisters.

Her feeling for her father had certainly not


He had never been to her the petted divinity of the household, whose slightest wish had been law, whose little comforts had become matters of serious care, whose frowns were horrid clouds, whose smiles were glorious sunshine, whose kisses were daily looked for, and if missed would be missed with mourning.


In all the intercourses of her family, since the first rough usage which she remembered, there had never been anything sweet or gracious.


Though she had recognised a certain duty, as due from herself to her father, she had found herself bound to measure it, so that more should not be exacted from her than duty required.

She had recognised her duty to her father, and had not gone beyond it.


She had long known that her father would fain make her a slave for his own purposes, and that if she put no limits to her own obedience he certainly would put none.

She had long known that her father would make her a slave for his own purposes if he could.


She had drawn no comparison between him and other fathers, or between herself and other daughters, because she had never become conversant with the ways of other families.

She had never compared him to other fathers, because she had never known any other families well.


After a fashion she had loved him, because nature creates love in a daughter's heart; but she had never respected him, and had spent the best energies of her character on a resolve that she would never fear him.

After a fashion she had loved him; but she had never respected him, and had spent much of her energy on a resolve never to fear him.


"He may cut me into pieces, but he shall not make me do for his advantage that which I do not think he has a right to exact from me."


That had been the state of her mind towards her father; and now that he had taken himself away with terrible suddenness, leaving her to face the difficulties of the world with no protector and no assistance, the feeling which dominated her was no doubt one of awe rather than of broken-hearted sorrow.

Now that her father had taken himself away with terrible suddenness, leaving her no protector, she felt awe rather than sorrow.


Those who depart must have earned such sorrow before it can be really felt.


They who are left may be overwhelmed by the death--even of their most cruel tormentors.


Madame Melmotte was altogether overwhelmed; but it could not probably be said of her with truth that she was crushed by pure grief.

Madame Melmotte was altogether overwhelmed; probably not by grief, but


There was fear of all things, fear of solitude, fear of sudden change, fear of terrible revelations, fear of some necessary movement she knew not whither, fear that she might be discovered to be a poor wretched impostor who never could have been justified in standing in the same presence with emperors and princes, with duchesses and cabinet ministers.

by fear of solitude, fear of sudden change, fear of terrible revelations.


This and the fact that the dead body of the man who had so lately been her tyrant was lying near her, so that she might hardly dare to leave her room lest she should encounter him dead, and thus more dreadful even than when alive, utterly conquered her.


Feelings of the same kind, the same fears, and the same awe were powerful also with Marie;--but they did not conquer her.

The same fears were powerful also with Marie; but they did not conquer her.


She was strong and conquered them; and she did not care to affect a weakness to which she was in truth superior.


In such a household the death of such a father after such a fashion will hardly produce that tender sorrow which comes from real love.


Her father had destroyed himself, and had doubtless done so because his troubles in regard to money had been greater than he could bear.

Her father had destroyed himself, doubtless because his financial troubles had been greater than he could bear.


When he had told her that she was to sign those deeds because ruin was impending, he must indeed have told her the truth.

When he had told her to sign the deeds because ruin was impending, he must indeed have told her the truth.


He had so often lied to her that she had had no means of knowing whether he was lying then or telling her a true story.

He had so often lied to her that she had had no means of knowing whether he was lying then or not.


But she had offered to sign the deeds since that, and he had told her that it would be of no avail,--and at that time had not been angry with her as he would have been had her refusal been the cause of his ruin.

But she had offered to sign the deeds since, and he had told her that it would be of no use - and he had not been angry.


She took some comfort in thinking of that.


What was to be done generally by that over-cumbered household?


She and her pseudo-mother had been instructed to pack up their jewellery, and they had both obeyed the order.

She and her pseudo-mother had packed up their jewellery, as instructed.


But she herself at this moment cared but little for any property.


On whose arm could she lean for some support at this terrible time?


As for love, and engagements, and marriage,--that was all over.

As for love, and engagements - that was all over.


In her difficulty she never for a moment thought of Sir Felix Carbury.

She never for a moment thought of Sir Felix Carbury.


Though she had been silly enough to love the man because he was pleasant to look at, she had never been so far gone in silliness as to suppose that he was a staff upon which any one might lean.


Had that marriage taken place, she would have been the staff.


But it might be possible that Lord Nidderdale would help her.


He was good-natured and manly, and would be efficacious,--if only he would come to her.


He was near, and she thought that at any rate she would try.


So she had written her note and sent it by the butler,--thinking as she did so of the words she would use to make the young man understand that all the nonsense they had talked as to marrying each other was, of course, to mean nothing now.

; so she had written her note and sent it by the butler, thinking of how she would tell the young man that all that nonsense about marrying each other was, of course, to mean nothing now.


It was past eleven when he reached the house, and he was shown up-stairs into one of the sitting-rooms on the first-floor.

When he reached the house, he was shown upstairs into one of the sitting-rooms.


As he passed the door of the study, which was at the moment partly open, he saw the dress of a policeman within, and knew that the body of the dead man was still lying there.

As he passed the study door, which was partly open, he saw a policeman within, and knew that the dead man's body was still lying there.


But he went by rapidly without a glance within, remembering the look of the man as he had last seen his burly figure, and that grasp of his hand, and those odious words.

He went by rapidly, remembering the look of the man as he had last seen him, and that grasp of his hand, and those odious words.


And now the man was dead,--having destroyed his own life.


Surely the man must have known when he uttered those words what it was that he intended to do!

Surely the man must have known when he uttered those words what he intended to do!


When he had made that last appeal about Marie, conscious as he was that everyone was deserting him, he must even then have looked his fate in the face and have told himself that it was better that he should die!


His misfortunes, whatever might be their nature, must have been heavy on him then with all their weight; and he himself and all the world had known that he was ruined.


And yet he had pretended to be anxious about the girl's marriage, and had spoken of it as though he still believed that it would be accomplished!

And yet he had pretended to be anxious about the girl's marriage!


Nidderdale had hardly put his hat down on the table before Marie was with him.

Nidderdale had hardly put his hat down before Marie was with him.


He walked up to her, took her by both hands, and looked into her face.

He took her by both hands, and looked into her face.


There was no trace of a tear, but her whole countenance seemed to him to be altered.


"I thought you would come when I sent for you."


"I knew you would be a friend, and I knew no one else who would.


You won't be afraid, Lord Nidderdale, that I shall ever think any more of all those things which he was planning?"

You won't be afraid, Lord Nidderdale, that I shall ever think any more of that engagement?"


She paused a moment, but he was not ready enough to have a word to say in answer to this.

She paused a moment, but he had no answer ready.


When I think of all that he must have suffered I wish that I could be dead too."


No one tried to conceal anything for a moment.


It was better that it should be so;--better at last.


But we have no friends who would be considerate enough to try to save us from sorrow.


It is Mr. Longestaffe's house, and we were to have left it to-morrow."

This is Mr. Longestaffe's house, and we were to have left it tomorrow."


We can't go back to that big place in Grosvenor Square.


Who will see the doctor and the policemen?"


"But there will be things that I cannot ask you to do.


You cannot really regard me as a friend.


I had no business to know a person like you at all.


Oh, if the next six months could be over!


And then for the first time she burst into tears.

And for the first time she burst into tears.


"I wish I knew what might comfort you," he said.


As for comfort, when were we ever comfortable?


It has been one trouble after another,--one fear after another!

It has been one trouble after another, one fear after another!


I suppose they will take everything that we have."


"I think he had ever so many,--but I do not know who they were.

"I think he had many, but I do not know who they were.


His own clerk, who had lived with him for over twenty years, left him yesterday.

His clerk, who had been with him for twenty years, left him yesterday.


I suppose they will know something in Abchurch Lane; but now that Herr Croll has gone I am not acquainted even with the name of one of them.

I suppose they will know something in Abchurch Lane; but now that Herr Croll has gone I do not know the name of any of them.


Mr. Miles Grendall used to be with him."


"I do not think that he could be of much service."


Lord Alfred was always with him till very lately."


They only came because papa had a big house."


The young lord could not but feel that he was included in the same rebuke.


As she said this it seemed that for the moment her strength failed her, for she fell backwards on the corner of the sofa.

As she said this it seemed that her strength failed her, for she fell back on the sofa


He tried to raise her, but she shook him away, burying her face in her hands.


He was standing close to her, still holding her arm, when he heard a knock at the front door, which was immediately opened, as the servants were hanging about in the hall.

There was a knock at the front door, which was opened by the servants in the hall.


said Marie, whose sharp ears caught the sound of various steps.


Lord Nidderdale went out on to the head of the stairs, and immediately heard the voice of Dolly Longestaffe.

Lord Nidderdale went out to the top of the stairs, and heard the voice of Dolly Longestaffe.


Dolly Longestaffe had on that morning put himself early into the care of Mr. Squercum, and it had happened that he with his lawyer had met his father with Mr. Bideawhile at the corner of the square.

Dolly and his lawyer Mr. Squercum had that morning met his father with Mr. Bideawhile at the corner of the square.


They were all coming according to appointment to receive the money which Mr. Melmotte had promised to pay them at this very hour.

They were all coming to receive the money which Mr. Melmotte had promised to pay them


Of course they had none of them as yet heard of the way in which the Financier had made his last grand payment, and as they walked together to the door had been intent only in reference to their own money.

, having heard nothing of Mr. Melmotte's final payment.


Squercum, who had heard a good deal on the previous day, was very certain that the money would not be forthcoming, whereas Bideawhile was sanguine of success.

Squercum was very certain that the money would not be forthcoming, whereas Bideawhile was confident of success.


Dolly had said, and by saying so had very much offended his father, who had resented the want of reverence implied in the use of that word "we."


They had all been admitted together, and Dolly had at once loudly claimed an old acquaintance with some of the articles around him.


"I knew I'd got a coat just like that," said Dolly, "and I never could make out what my fellow had done with it."


This was the speech which Nidderdale had heard, standing on the top of the stairs.


The two lawyers had at once seen, from the face of the man who had opened the door and from the presence of three or four servants in the hall, that things were not going on in their usual course.

The two lawyers at once saw, from the face of the man who had opened the door, that things were not going on in their usual course.


Before Dolly had completed his buffoonery the butler had whispered to Mr. Bideawhile that Mr. Melmotte--"was no more."

The butler whispered to Mr. Bideawhile that Mr. Melmotte "was no more."


Squercum put his hands into his trowsers pockets and opened his mouth wide.


Then Squercum whispered a word into the butler's ear, and the butler thereupon nodded his head.


"It's about what I expected," said Squercum.


Then the butler whispered the word to Mr. Longestaffe, and whispered it also to Mr. Bideawhile, and they all knew that the millionaire had swallowed poison during the night.

Then the butler whispered that Melmotte had swallowed poison during the night.
"It's about what I expected," said Squercum.


It was known to the servants that Mr. Longestaffe was the owner of the house, and he was therefore, as having authority there, shown into the room where the body of Melmotte was lying on a sofa.

As the owner of the house, Mr. Longestaffe was shown into the room where Melmotte's body lay on a sofa.


The two lawyers and Dolly of course followed, as did also Lord Nidderdale, who had now joined them from the lobby above.

The two lawyers and Dolly followed, as did Lord Nidderdale, and two or three servants.


There was a policeman in the room who seemed to be simply watching the body, and who rose from his seat when the gentlemen entered.

A policeman who was watching the body rose from his seat when the gentlemen entered.


Two or three of the servants followed them, so that there was almost a crowd round the dead man's bier.


That Melmotte had been in the House on the previous night, and had there disgraced himself by intoxication, they had known already.


That he had been found dead that morning had been already announced.


They could only stand round and gaze on the square, sullen, livid features of the big-framed man, and each lament that he had ever heard the name of Melmotte.

They stood round and gazed on the sullen, livid features of the big man, and each lamented that he had ever heard the name of Melmotte.


said Dolly to Lord Nidderdale in a whisper.


She wanted somebody to tell her something.


I only came down when I heard your voices.


I fear it will be rather bad for you;--won't it?"

I fear it will be rather bad for you; won't it?


He talked to me about his affairs once, but he was such a liar that not a word that he said was worth anything.

He talked to me about his affairs once, but he was such a liar that not a word he said was worth anything."


"That other thing is all over of course," suggested Dolly.


Nidderdale intimated by a gesture of his head that the other thing was all over, and then returned to Marie.

Nidderdale nodded, and returned to Marie.


There was nothing further that the four gentlemen could do, and they soon departed from the house;--not, however, till Mr. Bideawhile had given certain short injunctions to the butler concerning the property contained in Mr. Longestaffe's town residence.

There was nothing that the four gentlemen could do, and they soon departed - once Mr. Bideawhile had given orders to the butler concerning the property in the house.


"They had come to see him," said Lord Nidderdale in a whisper.

"They had come by appointment to see him," said Lord Nidderdale to Marie.


He had told them to be all here at this hour."


Marie shuddered, and again hid her face.


"I think the best thing I can do," said Nidderdale, "is to go to Abchurch Lane, and find out from Smith who is the lawyer whom he chiefly trusted.

I think the best thing I can do," said Nidderdale, "is to go to Abchurch Lane, and find out who is the lawyer whom he chiefly trusted.


I know Smith had to do with his own affairs, because he has told me so at the Board; and if necessary I will find out Croll.


Then we had better employ the lawyer to arrange everything for you."


"Where would Madame Melmotte wish to go?"


"Anywhere, so that we could hide ourselves.


But shouldn't we stay till something has been done here?


And couldn't we have lodgings, so as to get away from Mr. Longestaffe's house?"

And couldn't we have lodgings, so as to get away from the house?"


Nidderdale promised that he himself would look for lodgings, as soon as he had seen the lawyer.


"And now, my lord, I suppose that I never shall see you again," said Marie.


All this will be trouble enough to you when people begin to say what we are.


But I don't think it has been my fault."


I shall always think of you as one of the kindest people I ever knew.


I thought it best to send to you for different reasons, but I do not want you to come back."

I thought it best to send to you, but I do not want you to come back."


After that he did go into the City, and succeeded in finding both Mr. Smith and Herr Croll.

After that he did go into the City, and succeeded in finding both Melmotte's lawyer and Herr Croll.


When he reached Abchurch Lane, the news of Melmotte's death had already been spread abroad; and more was known, or said to be known, of his circumstances than Nidderdale had as yet heard.

The news of Melmotte's death had already spread;


The crushing blow to him, so said Herr Croll, had been the desertion of Cohenlupe,--that and the sudden fall in the value of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway shares, consequent on the rumours spread about the City respecting the Pickering property.

the crushing blow to him, so said Herr Croll, had been the desertion of Cohenlupe - that and the sudden fall in value of the Mexican Railway shares, after the rumours spread about the Pickering property.


It was asserted in Abchurch Lane that had he not at that moment touched the Pickering property, or entertained the Emperor, or stood for Westminster, he must, by the end of the autumn, have been able to do any or all of those things without danger, simply as the result of the money which would then have been realised by the railway.


But he had allowed himself to become hampered by the want of comparatively small sums of ready money, and in seeking relief had rushed from one danger to another, till at last the waters around him had become too deep even for him, and had overwhelmed him.

Melmotte had allowed himself to become hampered by the want of comparatively small sums of ready money, and in seeking relief had rushed from one danger to another, till at last the waters around him had become too deep even for him, and had overwhelmed him.


As to his immediate death, Herr Croll expressed not the slightest astonishment.


It was just the thing, Herr Croll said, that he had been sure that Melmotte would do, should his difficulties ever become too great for him.

said that he had been sure that was what Melmotte would do, should his difficulties ever become too great.


"And dere vas a leetle ting he lay himself open by de oder day," said Croll, "dat vas nasty,--very nasty."


Nidderdale shook his head, but asked no questions.


Croll had alluded to the use of his own name, but did not on this occasion make any further revelation.

And he mentioned some other danger involving the use of his own name, but did not elaborate.


Then Croll made a further statement to Lord Nidderdale, which I think he must have done in pure good-nature.


"My lor," he said, whispering very gravely, "de money of de yong lady is all her own."

, "My lor, de money of de yong lady is all her own.


"Nobody can toch it, not if he vas in debt millions."


"I am very glad to hear it for her sake," said Lord Nidderdale as he took his leave.

"I am very glad to hear it for her sake," said Lord Nidderdale as he left.


It has been told how the gambling at the Beargarden went on one Sunday night.

Chapter 28: Dolly Longestaffe goes into the City


On the following Monday Sir Felix did not go to the club.

On the Monday Sir Felix did not go to the club.


He had watched Miles Grendall at play, and was sure that on more than one or two occasions the man had cheated.

He was sure that Miles Grendall had cheated at cards; and


Sir Felix did not quite know what in such circumstances it would be best for him to do.


Reprobate as he was himself, this work of villainy was new to him and seemed to be very terrible.

Reprobate as he was himself, this type of villainy was new to him and seemed very terrible.


He was quite sure of his facts, and yet he feared that Nidderdale and Grasslough and Longestaffe would not believe him.


He would have told Montague, but Montague had, he thought, hardly enough authority at the club to be of any use to him.

He might have told Montague, but Montague had hardly any authority at the club.


On the Tuesday again he did not go to the club.


He felt severely the loss of the excitement to which he had been accustomed, but the thing was too important to him to be slurred over.

He felt severely the loss of his usual excitement, but


He did not dare to sit down and play with the man who had cheated him without saying anything about it.

he did not dare to sit down and play with the man who had cheated him without saying anything about it.


On the Wednesday afternoon life was becoming unbearable to him and he sauntered into the building at about five in the afternoon.


There, as a matter of course, he found Dolly Longestaffe drinking sherry and bitters.

He found Dolly Longestaffe drinking sherry and bitters.


"Where the blessed angels have you been?"


Dolly was at that moment alert with the sense of a duty performed.


He had just called on his sister and written a sharp letter to his father, and felt himself to be almost a man of business.

, who had just called on his sister and written a sharp letter to his father, and at that moment felt himself to be almost a man of business.


"I've had fish of my own to fry," said Felix, who had passed the last two days in unendurable idleness.

"I've had fish to fry," said Felix, who had passed the last two days in unendurable idleness.


Then he referred again to the money which Dolly owed him, not making any complaint, not indeed asking for immediate payment, but explaining with an air of importance that if a commercial arrangement could be made, it might, at this moment, be very serviceable to him.

Then he mentioned the money which Dolly owed him, not complaining, but explaining with an air of importance that if a commercial arrangement could be made, it might be very useful to him.


"I'm particularly anxious to take up those shares," said Felix.

"I'm particularly anxious to take up those shares," he said.


"Of course you ought to have your money."


You're not like that fellow, Miles Grendall."


Poor Miles has got nothing to bless himself with."


I suppose I could get it, and so I ought to pay."


"That's no excuse for Grendall," said Sir Felix, shaking his head.

"That's no excuse," said Sir Felix, shaking his head.


"A chap can't pay if he hasn't got it, Carbury.


I've had a letter from our lawyer within the last half hour--here it is."

Here, I've just had a letter from our lawyer."


And Dolly pulled a letter out of his pocket which he had opened and read indeed within the last hour, but which had been duly delivered at his lodgings early in the morning.

And Dolly pulled a letter out of his pocket.


"My governor wants to sell Pickering, and Melmotte wants to buy the place.

"My governor wants to sell Pickering to Melmotte.


My governor can't sell without me, and I've asked for half the plunder.

He can't sell without me, and I've asked for half the plunder.


My interest in the property is greater than his.


It isn't much of a place, and they are talking of 50,000, over and above the debt upon it.


25,000 would pay off what I owe on my own property, and make me very square.


From what this fellow says I suppose they're going to give in to my terms."


"By George, that'll be a grand thing for you, Dolly."


I'm awfully lazy and can't get myself to go in for things as I ought to do; but I've a sort of feeling that I don't like the family property going to pieces.

I'm awfully lazy; but I've a sort of feeling that I don't like the family property going to pieces."


A fellow oughtn't to let his family property go to pieces."


"No;--and I don't know that it is any good.

"No; and it doesn't bring in much income.


on the money it's worth, while the governor is paying 6 per cent., and I'm paying 25, for the money we've borrowed.


It ought to be sold, and now I suppose it will be sold.


Old Melmotte knows all about it, and if you like I'll go with you to the city to-morrow and make it straight about what I owe you.

Old Melmotte knows all about it, and if you like I'll go with you to the city tomorrow and make it straight about what I owe you.


He'll advance me 1,000, and then you can get the shares.


Sir Felix said that he would dine at the club, but declared, with considerable mystery in his manner, that he could not stay and play whist afterwards.

Sir Felix said that he would dine at the club, but declared, in a mysterious manner, that he could not stay and play whist afterwards.


He acceded willingly to Dolly's plan of visiting Abchurch Lane on the following day, but had some difficulty in inducing his friend to consent to fix on an hour early enough for city purposes.


Dolly suggested that they should meet at the club at 4 P.M. Sir Felix had named noon, and promised to call at Dolly's lodgings.


They split the difference at last and agreed to start at two.


They then dined together, Miles Grendall dining alone at the next table to them.

They dined together, Miles Grendall dining alone at the table next to them.


Dolly and Grendall spoke to each other frequently, but in that conversation the young baronet would not join.

Though Dolly and Grendall spoke to each other frequently,


Nor did Grendall ever address himself to Sir Felix.

Felix and Grendall did not address each other at all.


"Is there anything up between you and Miles?"


said Dolly, when they had adjourned to the smoking-room.


"There never was any love between you two, I know.


But you used to speak, and you've played with him all through."


Though he did get such a haul last Sunday he owes me more than you do now."


"Is that the reason you haven't played the last two nights?"


I'll tell you all about it in the cab to-morrow."

"I'll tell you all about it in the cab tomorrow."


Then he left the club, declaring that he would go up to Grosvenor Square and see Marie Melmotte.

Then he left, declaring that he would go up to Grosvenor Square and see Marie Melmotte.


He did go up to the Square, and when he came to the house he would not go in.

He did go up to the Square, but when he came to the house he did not go in.


He could do nothing further till he got old Melmotte's consent, and in no way could he so probably do that as by showing that he had got money wherewith to buy shares in the railway.

He could do nothing without old Melmotte's consent, and the best way to get that was by showing that he had enough money to buy shares in the railway.


What he did with himself during the remainder of the evening the reader need not know, but on his return home at some comparatively early hour, he found this note from Marie.

On his return home, he found this note from Marie.


Miss Longestaffe is here of course, and people always come in in the evening.

Miss Longestaffe is here of course, and people always come in the evening.


We are just going to dine out at the Duchess of Stevenage's.

We are just going out to dine at the Duchess of Stevenage's.


Papa, and mamma and I. Mamma told me that Lord Nidderdale is to be there, but you need not be a bit afraid.


I don't like Lord Nidderdale, and I will never take any one but the man I love.

I don't like Lord Nidderdale, and I will never take anyone but the man I love.


Miss Longestaffe is so angry because she can't go with us.


What do you think of her telling me that she did not understand being left alone?


We are to go afterwards to a musical party at Lady Gamut's.

She is coming with us afterwards to a musical party at Lady Gamut's


Miss Longestaffe is going with us, but she says that she hates music.


We don't go anywhere to-morrow evening, so pray come.

We don't go anywhere tomorrow evening, so pray come.


And why haven't you written me something and sent it to Didon?

Why haven't you written me something and sent it to Didon?


If papa were to beat me into a mummy I would stick to you.

If papa were to beat me I would stick to you.


He told me once to take Lord Nidderdale, and then he told me to refuse him.


Now that the young lady had begun to have an interest of her own in life, she was determined to make the most of it.

Now that the young lady had begun to have an interest in life, she was determined to make the most of it.


All this was delightful to her, but to Sir Felix it was simply "a bother."


Sir Felix was quite willing to marry the girl to-morrow,--on condition of course that the money was properly arranged; but he was not willing to go through much work in the way of love-making with Marie Melmotte.

He was quite willing to marry the girl tomorrow, if the money was properly arranged; but he was not willing to go through much work in the way of love-making.


In such business he preferred Ruby Ruggles as a companion.


On the following day Felix was with his friend at the appointed time, and was only kept an hour waiting while Dolly ate his breakfast and struggled into his coat and boots.

On the following day Felix was with Dolly at the appointed time, and was only kept waiting an hour while Dolly ate his breakfast and struggled into his coat and boots.


On their way to the city Felix told his dreadful story about Miles Grendall.


I believe he always had an ace somewhere about him."


Or if I did, should take care not to look at him."


"That's all very fine, my dear fellow, but I shouldn't think of it."


"He might have said, why didn't you tell Longestaffe?"


Nobody would suppose that anybody would pick me out for this kind of thing.


If I'd known that you were going to tell me such a story as this I wouldn't have come with you."

If I'd known that you were going to tell me such a story I wouldn't have come with you."


"You mean to go on playing just the same?"


If he won anything very heavy I should begin to think about it, I suppose.


The man of money received them much more graciously than Sir Felix had expected.

Melmotte received them much more graciously than Sir Felix had expected.


Of course nothing was said about Marie and no further allusion was made to the painful subject of the baronet's "property."


Both Dolly and Sir Felix were astonished by the quick way in which the great financier understood their views and the readiness with which he undertook to comply with them.

Both Dolly and Sir Felix were astonished by the quick way in which the great financier understood their wishes and the readiness with which he complied with them.


No disagreeable questions were asked as to the nature of the debt between the young men.

No disagreeable questions were asked about the nature of the debt between the young men.


Dolly was called upon to sign a couple of documents, and Sir Felix to sign one,--and then they were assured that the thing was done.

Dolly was called upon to sign a couple of documents, and Sir Felix to sign one - and then they were assured that the thing was done.


Mr. Adolphus Longestaffe had paid Sir Felix Carbury a thousand pounds, and Sir Felix Carbury's commission had been accepted by Mr. Melmotte for the purchase of railway stock to that amount.


He endeavoured to explain that his object in this commercial transaction was to make money immediately by reselling the shares,--and to go on continually making money by buying at a low price and selling at a high price.

explain that he wanted to make money immediately by reselling the shares, and to go on continually making money by buying at a low price and selling at a high price.


He no doubt did believe that, being a Director, if he could once raise the means of beginning this game, he could go on with it for an unlimited period;--buy and sell, buy and sell;--so that he would have an almost regular income.


This, as far as he could understand, was what Paul Montague was allowed to do,--simply because he had become a Director with a little money.

This, as far as he could understand, was what Paul Montague was allowed to do, as a Director with a little money.


Mr. Melmotte was cordiality itself, but he could not be got to go into particulars.

Mr. Melmotte was cordiality itself, but he did not go into particulars.


"You will wish to sell again, of course;--of course.

"You will wish to sell again, of course; of course.


When the young men left the room all they knew, or thought that they knew, was, that Dolly Longestaffe had authorised Melmotte to pay a thousand pounds on his behalf to Sir Felix, and that Sir Felix had instructed the same great man to buy shares with the amount.


"I suppose it's all right with him," said Sir Felix.


Thousands of pounds to him are only like half-crowns to us fellows.

Thousands of pounds to him are like half-crowns to us fellows.


All the same, he's the biggest rogue out, you know."


Sir Felix already began to be unhappy about his thousand pounds.


There is no duty more certain or fixed in the world than that which calls upon a brother to defend his sister from ill-usage; but, at the same time, in the way we live now, no duty is more difficult, and we may say generally more indistinct.

A brother is duty-bound to defend his sister from ill-usage; but in the way we live now, no duty is more difficult or more indistinct.

Chapter 70: Sir Felix Meddles with Many Matters


The ill-usage to which men's sisters are most generally exposed is one which hardly admits of either protection or vengeance,--although the duty of protecting and avenging is felt and acknowledged.


We are not allowed to fight duels, and that banging about of another man with a stick is always disagreeable and seldom successful.

We are not allowed to fight duels, and banging about another man with a stick is always disagreeable and seldom successful.


A John Crumb can do it, perhaps, and come out of the affair exulting; but not a Sir Felix Carbury, even if the Sir Felix of the occasion have the requisite courage.

A John Crumb can do it, perhaps; but not a Sir Felix Carbury.


There is a feeling, too, when a girl has been jilted,--thrown over, perhaps, is the proper term,--after the gentleman has had the fun of making love to her for an entire season, and has perhaps even been allowed privileges as her promised husband, that the less said the better.

There is a feeling, too, when a girl has been jilted after the gentleman has had the fun of making love to her for an entire season, and has perhaps even been allowed privileges as her promised husband, that the less said the better.


The girl does not mean to break her heart for love of the false one, and become the tragic heroine of a tale for three months.

The girl does not mean to break her heart.


--trick her beams, and with new-spangled ore Flame in the forehead of the morning sky.


Though this one has been false, as were perhaps two or three before, still the road to success is open.

Though this one has been false, the road to success is still open.


But if all the notoriety of cudgels and cutting whips be given to the late unfortunate affair, the difficulty of finding a substitute will be greatly increased.

But if the affair is made notorious by a fight, the difficulty of finding a substitute will be greatly increased.


The brother recognises his duty, and prepares for vengeance.


The injured one probably desires that she may be left to fight her own little battles alone.


"Then, by heaven, he shall answer it to me," Sir Felix had said very grandly, when his sister had told him that she was engaged to a man who was, as he thought he knew, engaged also to marry another woman.

Sir Felix had vowed to avenge his sister


Here, no doubt, was gross ill-usage, and opportunity at any rate for threats.


No money was required and no immediate action,--and Sir Felix could act the fine gentleman and the dictatorial brother at very little present expense.


But Hetta, who ought perhaps to have known her brother more thoroughly, was fool enough to believe him.

And Hetta was fool enough to believe him.


On the day but one following, no answer had as yet come from Roger Carbury,--nor could as yet have come.

Two days later, no answer had yet come from Roger Carbury.


But Hetta's mind was full of her trouble, and she remembered her brother's threat.


Felix had forgotten that he had made a threat,--and, indeed, had thought no more of the matter since his interview with his sister.


"Felix," she said, "you won't mention that to Mr. Montague!"


A man who does that kind of thing ought to be crushed;--and, by heavens, if he does it to you, he shall be crushed."

A man who does that kind of thing ought to be crushed; and, by heavens, if he does it to you, he shall be crushed."


"Felix, if it is so, I will see him no more."


What has Roger Carbury to do with our affairs?"


If he says so, that is, if you and he both say that he is to marry that woman,--I will not see Mr. Montague again.

If you and he both say that he is to marry that woman, I will not see Mr. Montague again.


If such a misfortune does come, it is better to bear it and to be silent.


"Leave that to me," said Sir Felix, walking out of the room with much fraternal bluster.


Then he went forth, and at once had himself driven to Paul Montague's lodgings.

Then he had himself driven to Paul Montague's lodgings.


Had Hetta not been foolish enough to remind him of his duty, he would not now have undertaken the task.

Had Hetta not been foolish enough to remind him of his duty, he would not have done it.


He too, no doubt, remembered as he went that duels were things of the past, and that even fists and sticks are considered to be out of fashion.


"Montague," he said, assuming all the dignity of demeanour that his late sorrows had left to him, "I believe I am right in saying that you are engaged to marry that American lady, Mrs. Hurtle."

"Montague," he said, with all the dignity that his late sorrows had left to him, "I believe I am right in saying that you are engaged to marry that American lady, Mrs. Hurtle."


"Then let me tell you that you were never more wrong in your life.

"You were never more wrong in your life.


What business have you with Mrs. Hurtle?"


"When a man proposes to my sister, I think I've a great deal of business," said Sir Felix.


If I answered you roughly, I beg your pardon.


But I am not going to marry Mrs. Hurtle.


I suppose I know how you have heard her name;--but as you have heard it, I have no hesitation in telling you so much.


As you know where she is to be found you can go and ask her if you please.


On the other hand, it is the dearest wish of my heart to marry your sister."


"My dear Carbury, I don't think I'm bound to tell you all the details of my past life.


At any rate, I don't feel inclined to do so in answer to hostile questions.


I dare say you have heard enough of Mrs. Hurtle to justify you, as your sister's brother, in asking me whether I am in any way entangled by a connection with her.


I tell you that I am not connected with Mrs. Hurtle.


If you still doubt, I refer you to the lady herself.


Beyond that, I do not think I am called on to go; and beyond that I won't go,--at any rate, at present."


Sir Felix still blustered, and made what capital he could out of his position as a brother; but he took no steps towards positive revenge.


"Of course, Carbury," said the other, "I wish to regard you as a brother; and if I am rough to you, it is only because you are rough to me."

Of course, Carbury," said Paul, "I wish to regard you as a brother."
Sir Felix blustered, but took no steps towards revenge.


Sir Felix was now in that part of town which he had been accustomed to haunt,--for the first time since his misadventure,--and, plucking up his courage, resolved that he would turn into the Beargarden.

Instead he left. He was now near his old haunts, and for the first time since his misadventure, resolved to go to the Beargarden


He would have a glass of sherry, and face the one or two men who would as yet be there, and in this way gradually creep back to his old habits.

for a glass of sherry, and in this way gradually creep back to his old habits.


But when he arrived there, the club was shut up.


He rang the bell, and knocked at the door, feeling that this was an occasion for courage.

He rang the bell, and knocked at the door.


One of the servants, in what we may call private clothes, after some delay, drew back the bolts, and told him the astounding news;--The club was shut up!

One of the servants eventually drew back the bolts, and told him the astounding news


The man certainly did mean to tell him so, for he opened the door no more than a foot, and stood in that narrow aperture.


There had been a meeting of the Committee, and the club was shut up.

; there had been a meeting of the Committee, and the club was shut.


Whatever further information rested in the waiter's bosom he declined to communicate to Sir Felix Carbury.


The wrong that was done him filled the young baronet's bosom with indignation.

The young baronet was filled with indignation.


He had intended, he assured himself, to dine at his club, to spend the evening there sportively, to be pleasant among his chosen companions.


And now the club was shut up, and Vossner had gone away!


What business had the club to be shut up?


Had he not paid his subscription in advance?


Throughout the world, the more wrong a man does, the more indignant is he at wrong done to him.


Sir Felix almost thought that he could recover damages from the whole Committee.


When he made that half promise of marriage in Mrs. Pipkin's hearing, he had said that he would come again on the morrow.


This he had not done; but of that he thought nothing.


Such breaches of faith, when committed by a young man in his position, require not even an apology.


He was admitted by Ruby herself, who was of course delighted to see him.


"John Crumb; but though he came here ever so smart, I wouldn't so much as speak to him, except to tell him to go away."


Sir Felix, when he heard the name, felt an uncomfortable sensation creep over him.

Sir Felix felt an uncomfortable sensation creep over him.


"I don't know I'm sure what he should come after me for, and me telling him as plain as the nose on his face that I never want to see him again."

"I don't know what he should come after me for, when I told him as plain as the nose on his face that I never want to see him again."


"He's not of much account," said the baronet.


"He would marry me out and out immediately, if I'd have him," continued Ruby, who perhaps thought that her honest old lover should not be spoken of as being altogether of no account.

"He would marry me immediately, if I'd have him," continued Ruby, who perhaps thought that her honest old lover should not be spoken of as being of no account.


"And he has everything comfortable in the way of furniture, and all that.

"And he has everything comfortable in his house, and


And they do say he's ever so much money in the bank.

they say he's ever so much money in the bank.


But I detest him," said Ruby, shaking her pretty head, and inclining herself towards her aristocratic lover's shoulder.

But I detest him," said Ruby, shaking her pretty head, and leaning on her aristocratic lover's shoulder.


This took place in the back parlour, before Mrs. Pipkin had ascended from the kitchen prepared to disturb so much romantic bliss with wretched references to the cold outer world.

This took place in the back parlour. Then Mrs. Pipkin ascended from the kitchen prepared to disturb the romantic bliss with wretched references to the cold outer world.


"Well, now, Sir Felix," she began, "if things is square, of course you're welcome to see my niece."


"And what if they're round, Mrs. Pipkin?"


said the gallant, careless, sparkling Lothario.


"Well, or round either, so long as they're honest."


"Ruby and I are both honest;--ain't we, Ruby?

"Ruby and I are both honest; ain't we, Ruby?


I want to take her out to dinner, Mrs. Pipkin.


She shall be back before late;--before ten; she shall indeed."


Ruby inclined herself still more closely towards his shoulder.


"Come, Ruby, get your hat and change your dress, and we'll be off.

Come, Ruby, get your hat and we'll be off.


They must be to fix a day for the marriage, and to let her know where they were to live, and to settle what dress she should wear,--and perhaps to give her the money to go and buy it!

They must be to fix a day for the marriage, and to let her know where they were to live, and to settle what dress she should wear - and perhaps to give her the money to go and buy it!


She looked up into Mrs. Pipkin's face with imploring eyes.

Ruby looked up into Mrs. Pipkin's face with imploring eyes.


Surely on such an occasion as this an aunt would not expect that her niece should be a prisoner and a slave.


"Have it been put in writing, Sir Felix Carbury?"

"Have it been put in writing, Sir Felix?"


demanded Mrs. Pipkin with cruel gravity.


Mrs. Hurtle had given it as her decided opinion that Sir Felix would not really mean to marry Ruby Ruggles unless he showed himself willing to do so with all the formality of a written contract.


But when a gentleman has intentions, a bit of writing shows it plainer nor words.


Ruby don't go no where to dine unless you puts it into writing."

Ruby don't go out to dine unless you puts it into writing."


"What do you think I'm going to do with her?"


"If you want to make her your wife, put it in writing.


And if it be as you don't, just say so, and walk away,--free."

And if you don't, just say so, and walk away, free."


"I'm not going to be kept here a prisoner for any one.

"I'm not going to be kept here a prisoner.


You wait, Felix, and I'll be down in a minute."


The girl, with a nimble spring, ran upstairs, and began to change her dress without giving herself a moment for thought.

The girl ran nimbly upstairs, and began to change her dress.


"She don't come back no more here, Sir Felix," said Mrs. Pipkin, in her most solemn tones.

"She don't come back here no more, Sir Felix," said Mrs. Pipkin, in her most solemn tones.


"She ain't nothing to me, no more than she was my poor dear husband's sister's child.


There ain't no blood between us, and won't be no disgrace.


"But I'd be loth to see her on the streets."


"Then why won't you let me bring her back again?"


"'Cause that'd be the way to send her there.


It's just a bit of sport,--and then there she is, an old shoe to be chucked away, just a rag to be swept into the dust-bin.

It's just a bit of sport - she's an old shoe to be chucked away, a rag to be swept into the dust-bin.


I've seen scores of 'em, and I'd sooner a child of mine should die in a workus', or be starved to death.


But it's all nothing to the likes o' you."


"I haven't done her any harm," said Sir Felix, almost frightened.


"Mrs. Hurtle hasn't been able to manage her own affairs very well."


"Mrs. Hurtle's a lady, Sir Felix, and a widow, and one as has seen the world."


As she spoke, Mrs. Hurtle came downstairs, and an introduction, after some rude fashion, was effected between her and Sir Felix.

As she spoke, Mrs. Hurtle came downstairs, and was introduced to Sir Felix.


Mrs. Hurtle had heard often of Sir Felix Carbury, and was quite as certain as Mrs. Pipkin that he did not mean to marry Ruby Ruggles.


In a few minutes Felix found himself alone with Mrs. Hurtle in her own room.


He had been anxious to see the woman since he had heard of her engagement with Paul Montague, and doubly anxious since he had also heard of Paul's engagement with his sister.

He had been anxious to see her since he had heard of her engagement with Paul Montague.


It was not an hour since Paul himself had referred him to her for corroboration of his own statement.


"Sir Felix Carbury," she said, "I am afraid you are doing that poor girl no good, and are intending to do her none."


It did occur to him very strongly that this could be no affair of Mrs. Hurtle's, and that he, as a man of position in society, was being interfered with in an unjustifiable manner.


Aunt Pipkin wasn't even an aunt; but who was Mrs. Hurtle?


"Would it not be better that you should leave her to become the wife of a man who is really fond of her?"

Would it not be better that you should leave her to marry a man who is really fond of her?"


He could already see something in Mrs. Hurtle's eye which prevented his at once bursting into wrath;--but who was Mrs. Hurtle, that she should interfere with him?

He could already see something in Mrs. Hurtle's eye which prevented his at once bursting into wrath; but who was Mrs. Hurtle, that she should interfere with him?


"Upon my word, ma'am," he said, "I'm very much obliged to you, but I don't quite know to what I owe the honour of your--your--"

"Upon my word, ma'am," he said, "I'm very much obliged to you, but I don't quite know to what I owe the honour of your - your-"


"I didn't say so, but perhaps that's about it."


"I'd interfere to save any woman that God ever made," said Mrs. Hurtle with energy.


"We're all apt to wait a little too long, because we're ashamed to do any little good that chance puts in our way.


"I suppose she may do as she pleases about that."


"Does Mr. Paul Montague mean to make you his wife?"


rejoined Sir Felix with an impudent swagger.


He had struck the blow certainly hard enough, and it had gone all the way home.

He had certainly struck the blow hard enough, and it went all the way home.


She had not surmised that he would have heard aught of her own concerns.

She had not thought that he would have heard anything of her own concerns.


She only barely connected him with that Roger Carbury who, she knew, was Paul's great friend, and she had as yet never heard that Hetta Carbury was the girl whom Paul loved.

She did not know that Hetta Carbury was the girl whom Paul loved.


Had Paul so talked about her that this young scamp should know all her story?

Had Paul talked about her so that this young scamp knew all her story?


She thought awhile,--she had to think for a moment,--before she could answer him.

She thought awhile before she could answer him.


"I do not see," she said, with a faint attempt at a smile, "that there is any parallel between the two cases.

"I do not see," she said, "that there is any parallel between the two cases.


I, at any rate, am old enough to take care of myself.


Should he not marry me, I am as I was before.


Will it be so with that poor girl if she allows herself to be taken about the town by you at night?"


She had desired in what she said to protect Ruby rather than herself.


What could it matter whether this young man was left in a belief that she was, or that she was not, about to be married?


"If you'll answer me, I'll answer you," said Sir Felix.


"Does Mr. Montague mean to make you his wife?"


"It does not concern you to know," said she, flashing upon him.

"It does not concern you," said she, flashing upon him.


"It does concern me,--a great deal more than anything about Ruby can concern you.


And as you won't answer me, I won't answer you."


"Then, sir, that girl's fate will be upon your head."


"I know all about that," said the baronet.


"And the young man who has followed her up to town will probably know where to find you," added Mrs. Hurtle.


To such a threat as this, no answer could be made, and Sir Felix left the room.

Without answering, Sir Felix left the room.


At any rate, John Crumb was not there at present.


And what additional harm would be done to John Crumb, or what increase of anger engendered in that true lover's breast, by one additional evening's amusement?


Ruby had danced with him so often at the Music Hall that John Crumb could hardly be made more bellicose by the fact of her dining with him on this evening.


When he descended, he found Ruby in the hall, all arrayed.


"You don't come in here again to-night," said Mrs. Pipkin, thumping the little table which stood in the passage, "if you goes out of that there door with that there young man."

"You don't come in here again tonight," said Mrs. Pipkin, "if you goes out of that there door with that there young man."


"Then I shall," said Ruby linking herself on to her lover's arm.

"Then I shall," said Ruby, linking herself on to her lover's arm.


said Mrs. Pipkin; "after all I've done for you, just as one as though you were my own flesh and blood."

said Mrs. Pipkin; "after all I've done for you, just as though you were my own flesh and blood."


"I've worked for it, I suppose;--haven't I?"


"You send for your things to-morrow, for you don't come in here no more.

"You send for your things tomorrow, for you don't come here no more.


You ain't nothing to me no more nor no other girl.


But I'd 've saved you, if you'd but a' let me.


As for you,"--and she looked at Sir Felix,--"only because I've lodgings to let, and because of the lady upstairs, I'd shake you that well, you'd never come here no more after poor girls."

As for you," - and she looked at Sir Felix - "I'd like to shake you."


I do not think that she need have feared any remonstrance from Mrs. Hurtle, even had she put her threat into execution.


Sir Felix, thinking that he had had enough of Mrs. Pipkin and her lodger, left the house with Ruby on his arm.

Sir Felix left the house with Ruby on his arm.