“How?”

191

Irene did not reply.

“How can you keep him from gambling?”

“I shall merely tell him to be careful.”

Max wondered that Rene had such a faculty of controlling her father’s actions.

“I hope you will bring him to time, for he really squanders a great deal, and you may need it.”

“Yes; we need all that is ours by right; though, of course, when you come in possession of your estates we shall be amply provided for.”

Max frowned slightly as he said: “Oh, of course, but that may be some years yet. We can’t tell just when these big fortunes do come in.”

“Certainly, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. But you were speaking about making a change. Are you afraid to do so?”