"Tracy, do not the estates bring in anything?" she asked petulantly. "And Andrew told us you had a run of marvellous luck not a fortnight since?"
"Since then, my dear, I have had three runs of marvellous ill-luck. As to the estates, they are mortgaged up to the hilt, as you very well know. What little there is is between three. And Robert is extravagant."
"I hate Robert!"
"I am not partial to him myself, but it makes no odds."
"I wish he might die!—oh no, no! Now I am become ill-natured again—I don't wish it—only I am so tired of everything. You shall have that money as soon as possible; but be careful, Tracy—please be careful! 'Tis not easy to get money from Dick!"
"No, I should imagine not. However, we have managed rather well up to the present, take it all in all."
"Up to the present he has had all the money he wanted. My lord denied him nought!"
"Well, 'tis unfortunate, as I said before, but it must be endured. Where is Dick?"
"I know not. You will stay to dinner, Tracy?"
"Thank you. I shall be charmed."