“Best not say too much about that,” said Klaus with a sigh, and it suddenly struck Peer that his friend’s face had grown older and more worn.
“No,” said Klaus again. “Better not say much about that. But tell me, old fellow—you mustn’t mind my asking—has Ferdinand ever spoken to you as his brother . . . or . . .”
Peer flushed hotly. “No,” he said after a pause.
“No?”
“I owe more to him than to anybody in the world. But whether he regards me as a kinsman or simply as an object for his kindness to wreak itself on is a matter he’s always left quite vague.”
“It’s just like him. He’s a queer fellow. But there’s another thing. . . .”
“Well?” said Peer, looking up.
“It’s—er—again it’s rather a delicate matter to touch on. I know, of course, that you’re in the enviable position of having your fortune invested in the best joint-stock company in the world—”
“Yes; and so are you.”
“Oh, mine’s a trifle compared with yours. Have you still the whole of your money in Ferdinand’s company?”