“Strange,” said he, “that a man so valuable in any great emergency should be so extravagant and eccentric in the ordinary affairs of life. I might as well drive to Bellevue House and consult the first gentleman I met there.”
Lady Bassett did not reply immediately, and Sir Charles observed that her face was very red and her hands trembled.
“Why, Bella,” said he, “has all that rhodomontade upset you?”
Lady Bassett looked frightened at his noticing her agitation, and said that Mr. Rolfe always overpowered her. “He is so large, and so confident, and throws such new light on things.”
“New light! Wild eccentricity always does that; but it is the light of Jack-o'-lantern. On a great question, so near my heart as this, give me the steady light of common sense, not the wayward coruscations of a fiery imagination. Bella dear, I shall send the boy to a good school, and so cut off at one blow all the low associations that have caused the mischief.”
“You know what is best, dear,” said Lady Bassett; “you are wiser than any of us.”
In the morning she got hold of Mr. Rolfe, and asked him if he could put her in the way of getting more than three per cent for her money without risk.
“Only one,” said.Rolfe. “London freeholds in rising situations let to substantial tenants. I can get you five per cent that way, if you are always ready to buy. The thing does not offer every day.”
“I have twenty thousand pounds to dispose of so,” said Lady Bassett.
“Very well,” said Rolfe. “I'll look out for you, but Oldfield must examine titles and do the actual business. The best of that investment is, it is always improving; no ups and downs. Come,” thought he, “Cassandra has not spoken quite in vain.”