A run of luck in his favour having largely increased his resources, he started a cab; and boasted of one of the tiniest tigers in London; a strong square-built boy of fourteen, who did not look more than ten.
"Is this prudent, dearest?" said Blanche, when he proposed the cab. "Will our means ever permit it?"
"Yes, pet, it is genuine prudence. I am the rage just now; the dealers are all anxious I should paint them a picture. Moon has offered me a thousand guineas for one to engrave from. I have refused. I must have more. But to command more it is essential that I should appear rich; the richer I appear, the richer I shall be. A cab is, therefore, policy."
"You know best: but don't forget the little one that is to share our prosperity."
"Forget him, indeed! look here; I have bought him a coral; look at the gold bells! I saw it yesterday—it was a bargain, and I thought the opportunity should not be lost. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Beautiful! How thoughtful of you, dear one!"
"At the same time I saw a love of a watch. That, said I to myself, is just the thing for petkins—and behold!"
He held a gold breguet before her eyes.
"You dear, kind creature," she said, kissing him; "but I will not have you spend money on me in this way."
She did not remark the diamond studs in his shirt, nor the turquoise-headed cane which dangled from his wrist; she only thought of what he had spent upon a present for her.