He began with an ivory toddy-stick to convert sugar and Bourbon into sirup.
"How's that, Mel?" he asked. "And why?"
"Between us two, Bob," said Meredith, "this is one hell of a climate in summer. The brighter we are the quicker we'll get out of it."
"I'd like to go you on that, but aside from the family silver I haven't a penny in the world."
"Bob, I'm sick of offering to lend you money. I'm sick of offering to give you money. There's only one chance left."
Jonstone made a gentle clashing sound with fine ice.
"As you know, my family silver has all gone up in smoke. Now yours hasn't. Suppose you sell me yours. What's it worth?"
"With or without the diamonds?"
"If I should ever marry, it would be advisable to have the diamonds."