“It is not unlikely,” was the quiet reply.
There was a note of warning in both Mr. Durnford’s words and tone; but the admonitory sign passed unobserved.
“Well, then,” resumed Mr. Caske, “think of the money he gave away during the winter. He seemed to want to do everything himself. There was hardly anything left for any one else to do.”
Mr. Durnford smiled inwardly at the idea of Mr. Caske making a grievance of the fact that there had been left to him no occasion for benevolence.
“It was nothing but blankets, and coals, and money,” continued Mr. Caske. “And then the families he has picked out of the slums and sent across the sea! And it’s said he’ll pay anybody’s debts, and gives to any beggar, and will lend anybody as much money as they like to ask.”
At this point Mr. Botterill once more put in his word.
“I heard, only the other day, that Mr. Horn had announced his intention of presenting the town with a Free Library and a Public Park.”
“It’s like his impudence!” exclaimed Mr. Kershaw.
“After that I can believe anything,” cried Mr. Caske. “The man ought to be stopped. It’s very much to be regretted that he ever came into the money. And what a fool he is from his own standpoint! When he has got rid of all his money, it will be doubly hard for him to go back to poverty again.”
Mr. Caske was speaking somewhat at random.