“Can’t you keep it going?—form a company?”
“I’m afraid I can’t. I’ve done my best. But I’m afraid, you know, you’ve landed me.”
“I’m so sorry,” said Alvina. “I hope not.”
“Thank you for the hope” said Mr. May sarcastically. “They say hope is sweet. I begin to find it a little bitter!”
Poor man, he had already gone quite yellow in the face. Ciccio and Geoffrey watched him with dark-seeing eyes.
“And when are you going to let this fatal decision take effect?” asked Mr. May.
“I’m going to see the lawyer tomorrow, and I’m going to tell him to sell everything and clear up as soon as possible,” said Alvina.
“Sell everything! This house, and all it contains?”
“Yes,” said Alvina. “Everything.”
“Really!” Mr. May seemed smitten quite dumb. “I feel as if the world had suddenly come to an end,” he said.