"Say, four thousand pounds."
Herries laughed.
"My dear lady, I don't possess as many pence."
"Not at present, but you will, when certain information is given to you. I have read the papers, Mr. Herries, and I know that you inherit fifty thousand a year, on certain conditions."
"Ah, but those conditions were not mentioned in the newspapers."
"Quite so," rejoined Señora Guzman, resuming her seat, "but we learned the conditions from another person."
"We?"
"Myself and Captain Kyles."
"I have no wish," said Herries slowly, "to ask impertinent questions, madame, but I should like to know if you and Captain Kyles are in partnership?"
Señora Guzman laughed in her turn.