"There is no news," he announced. "I am afraid, sir, that it will be a long time before we do hear any news. If your business is with Mr. Chetwode, Count Sabatini," he added, "I will ask you to excuse me. I have plenty to do in the warehouse. If there is any information I can give you on behalf of your sister or yourself, I shall be very happy to come back if you will send for me."
He bustled out, closing the door after him. Sabatini looked around with a faint smile, as though his surroundings amused him. He then carefully deposited his gloves with his hat, selected the most comfortable chair, and seated himself.
"So this is where the money is coined, eh?" he remarked. "It is fortunate that I have discovered the place, for I need some."
Arnold smiled.
"We haven't had time to do much coining yet."
"Supposing I want five hundred pounds, could I have it?" Sabatini asked.
Arnold shook his head.
"Certainly not," he replied, "unless you had cheeses to sell us for it, or bacon. Messrs. Weatherley & Company are provision merchants, not money-lenders."
"You have the control of the finances, haven't you?"
"To a certain extent, I have," Arnold admitted.