"It is the duty of every woman of spirit," said the Colonel, oracularly, "not to be one of them. And what," he continued, "will you do when all the money's gone?"
"I don't see why it shouldn't succeed," said Ben.
"Succeed!" the Colonel snorted.
"Well, some things succeed," said Ben. "Everything doesn't fail. Look at the people round you: they're not all bankrupt."
"Very nearly," said the Colonel.
"They seem to have money for a good many frivolities and luxuries still," said Ben. "Anyway, I mean to do my best to make it succeed. And I hope," she added, "that if you're in any difficulty here you'll come to 'The Beck and Call.' I must send Belle some cards when we're ready."
"You needn't trouble," said the Colonel. "If you ever see Belle or myself on your premises or catch us recognizing this nonsense of yours, I'll"—well, you know how that kind of man always finishes that kind of sentence—"I'll eat my hat."
"Don't do that, father," said Ben. "Promise me a new one instead."
"With the greatest pleasure in the world," said the Colonel.