“I! No, no, Mr Reed. I have my little income, and I will be content. Too old to speculate, sir.”
“There is no speculation in it, Major. The matter is a certainty, and you might double your income easily,” said Clive.
“No, sir, I have enough,” said the Major shortly.
“Pray forgive me,” cried Clive hastily. “I thought perhaps for Miss Gurdon’s sake—”
“Ah! there you touch me to the quick,” cried the Major. “But no, no! Avaunt, tempter: I will run no risks.”
“I will not tempt you,” said Clive, smiling. “That’s right. But, my dear sir, you must not deprive yourself of all rest. This struggle to grow rich is one of the evils of the day.”
“But I am not struggling to grow rich,” said Clive quietly, “only to make others who have trusted me wealthy.”
“Then I beg your pardon; but really I think you are over-doing it.”
“Don’t be afraid for me. I am better and happier with my mind fully occupied. But would you like to look round?”
“Very much indeed,” said the Major.