“Of course I do. But the money’s there, ain’t it? It’s only a matter of advancing me some of it.”
The Earl laid the knife down, and dipped his hands in a bowl of water, placed at his elbow. Having rinsed them he began to dry them carefully on a fine napkin. “But I have not the least intention of advancing you any of it,” he said.
Peregrine stiffened. “What do you mean?” he asked.
The Earl raised his eyes for a moment, and coldly looked his ward over. “Between you, you and your sister credit me with an obscurity of meaning which I am unaware of having done anything to deserve. It really doesn’t amuse me. I mean precisely what I say.”
“But you can’t refuse to let me have money to pay my debts of honour!” said Peregrine indignantly.
“Can’t I?” said the Earl. “I was under the impression that I could.”
“Damme, I never heard of such a thing! I must pay my debts!”
“Naturally,” agreed the Earl.
“Well, how the devil can I if you won’t loosen the purse-strings?” demanded Peregrine, “You must know my pockets are pretty well to let till next quarter!”
“I didn’t know it, but I don’t find it very hard to believe. You have all my sympathy.”