"No, uncle, I think not. Degger, even, was bound to learn in time that the Nicholets are not as well off as they are counted."
"What? What's that?" demanded the professor, startled.
"Haven't you heard anything about it?"
"That the Nicholets have lost money?"
"All of their money. So I understand. I bet Lorna's father has been speculating—and with her money and Miss Ida's as well as his own."
"Great heavens, Ralph! this is not a joke, is it?" gasped his uncle.
"I don't see anything to joke about in the loss of one's fortune. Either it is so, or it is not so."
"John Nicholet is visionary. He was at me not long ago to join in one of his financial schemes. I could not be bothered. Besides, I told him plainly I needed all my ready cash for these experiments I am making.
"I—I—Ralph! If this is true—if our neighbors have sustained severe losses—surely you would not break off with Lorna because of that? What if she has no dowry?"
"Uncle Henry!"