Here sounded a note of pathos which impressed the critical listener. There was a look, too, in Mrs. Damerel’s eyes quite unlike any that Nancy had yet detected.
‘What do you wish him to do?’ she asked. ‘If I must tell you the truth, I don’t think he’ll get any good in the life of society.’
Society’s representative answered in a tone of affectionate frankness:
‘He won’t; I can see that. I don’t wish him to live idly. The question is, What ought he to do? I think you know a gentleman of his acquaintance, Mr. Crewe?’
The question was added rather abruptly, and with a watchful gaze.
‘I know him a little.’
‘Something has been said, I believe, about Horace investing money in Mr. Crewe’s business. Do you think it would be advisable?’
Surprise kept Nancy silent.
‘Is Mr. Crewe trustworthy? I understand he has been in business for himself only a short time.’
Nancy declared herself unable to judge Mr. Crewe, whether in private or in commercial life. And here she paused, but could not refrain from adding the question whether Mrs. Damerel had personal knowledge of him.