"She is a miser, in spite of that sudden attack of the gaming fever. Money is the only passion of her life."
"Possibly, though I doubt it. There is Monsieur Leroy, you know."
Lamberti spoke the name with contempt, but Guido said nothing, for, after all, the high and mighty lady about whom they were talking was his father's sister, and he preferred not to talk scandal about her, even with his intimate friend.
"If matters grow worse," said Lamberti, "there are at least the worthless securities in her name, to prove that you acted for her."
"You are mistaken. That is the worst of it. Everything was done in my name, for she would not let her own appear. She used to give me the money in cash, telling me exactly what to do with it, and I brought her the broker's accounts."
"I daresay she made you sign receipts for the sums she gave you," laughed Lamberti.
"Yes, she did."
Lamberti sat up suddenly and stared at his friend. Such folly was hardly to be believed.
"She is capable of saying that she lent you the money on your promise!" he cried.
"That is exactly what she threatens to do," answered Guido d'Este, dejectedly. "As I cannot possibly pay it, she can force me to do one of two things."