"I do not know. It is not for me to say. There will be a meeting of the directors of the South African Company and others to-morrow, and some decision will be come to, I have no doubt."
"And I—I can do nothing?" said Stafford, huskily. "I am penniless, I suppose?"
Both Murray and Mr. Chaffinch raised their heads with an air of surprise.
"Penniless" echoed Mr. Chaffinch. "Certainly not, my lord! Surely you know?"
Stafford regarded him gravely; it seemed as if he himself were too crushed by his grief for surprise.
"Know?" he said. "What is in I should know? I do not understand." Mr.
Falconer coughed.
"We thought you were aware of the existence of the deed; that your father had informed you, Lord Highcliffe."
"What deed?" asked Stafford, dully. "I am sorry to appear so dense; but I have not the least idea of your meaning. As you say, Mr. Falconer, I know nothing of business."
"It is evident that your father did not tell you that he executed a deed of gift in your favour, a gift of one hundred thousand pounds," said Mr. Falconer.
"Which deed, being made when he was quite solvent, cannot be upset. The money was placed in trust, and is quite beyond the reach of the creditors," said Mr. Chaffinch. "We thought you were aware of this, my lord."