mr. booth. [precisely.] I think I said I had made up my mind to withdraw the whole amount.

edward. You should have made up your mind sooner.

mr. booth. I don't in the least understand you, Edward.

edward. A great part of your capital doesn't exist.

mr. booth. [with some irritation.] Nonsense, it must exist. [He scans edward's set face in vain.] You mean that it won't be prudent to realise? You can hand over the securities. I don't want to reinvest simply because—

edward. I can't hand over what I haven't got.

This sentence falls on the old man's ears like a knell.

mr. booth. Is anything . . wrong?

edward. [grim and patient.] How many more times am I to say that we have robbed you of nearly half your property?

mr. booth. [his senses failing him.] Say that again.