BROXOPP. Oh, I really forget now. Some Welsh gold-mine, I believe.
TENTERDEN. Yes. I think I could have given you a word of warning about Welsh gold-mines, Chillingham, if you had consulted me.
BROXOPP. This was long before we had the pleasure of knowing you, Sir Roger.
[67]TENTERDEN. Ah, a pity, a pity!
NANCY. That’s why we’re so glad to have your help now. I should never have trusted Jim with all the money he got from Broxopp’s Beans.
TENTERDEN (wincing at the hated word). All the money he—ah—retired with. Yes. Well, I hope, Chillingham, I really hope that we shall be able to do something for you before very long.
BROXOPP. Well, I left it to you, Sir Roger. But naturally I like to know how things are going on. How are those oil shares?
TENTERDEN. Oil! Oil! Ah yes! Well, we have lost a little there. (With a charming smile) You know how it is, Mrs. Chillingham. One loses a little here, and picks up a little more there.... Yes, I have been disappointed over the oil.
NANCY. I always think that something safe, however little interest it pays, is—is safest.
TENTERDEN. Safer than losing it, my dear Mrs. Chillingham—all women will agree with you there—but not so pleasant as winning a little more. Your husband sold his business at an unfortunate time. Our hand was forced; we had to sell; we had to take the price they offered. Naturally your husband felt that a little speculation before investing—— And had it come off——