“His enormous wealth! Pray, when did Antony become enormously wealthy?”
“He must have been rich for some time. Your father says he brought him the evidences of millions—fancy it, Rose, of millions! And he offered to settle a large yearly income on you, just to do as you please with.”
“He did?”
“Yes.”
“Hum—m—m!”
“Your father was quite firm with him. He said the decision was yours entirely, and that he would have to take your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the matter.”
“I should think so! The idea of going to father at all!”
“As for that, it was right to show your father his position. Money is such a wonderful thing! I am sure I wish I had some of his millions! For, do you know, Rose, Harry’s rapid life lately has been a dreadful thing for us. I relied upon Harry doing as much as he always has done, but my hopes have all been vain. He talks about the depression of business; but, my dear, it is the expansion in his own life. Club after club, and all of them cost a living. And then he has other expenses, which I do not care to 163 name to you. I think Harry has been cruelly forgetful of us. Just look at that pile of bills on my table. They make me sick.”
“Why do you not carry them to papa?”
“They are bills for costumes and such things. Your father would take a fit over them. Harry has always helped me out of such dilemmas before. But he has been running an awful rig this winter.”