“Yes. I am going to the Continent for a month, and I have come down to try and persuade George to go with me. Do him no end of good. Where is he?”
“I think he is in the study,” said Gertrude.
“What do you say to my scheme? Can you spare him for a fortnight?”
“Spare who for a fortnight?” said the object of their debate, entering.
“You, old fellow. I’m going to Paris, and then on to Switzerland, and back by the Rhine and Amsterdam. Come with me.”
“What, and do all the paying?”
Saul flushed up, snatched his pocket-book from his breast and tore it open.
“Well, I shan’t ask you to pay for my circular ticket anyhow,” he said, taking out a tiny book; “and here are my hotel coupons. Hang it all! how fond you men with coin are of insulting those without.”
“Well, we’re cousins,” said the other, with a sneering laugh. “All right, little one; I’ll apologise before he goes,” he continued, as Gertrude looked at him appealingly; and Saul winced as if it was painful to him to have Gertrude interfere on his behalf.
“Then you will not come?” said Saul, leaning forward to show Gertrude the tickets.