“No trouble, I assure you. Is that your brother with you?”
“No, it is a young friend.”
Later on, while Mr. Brooke had gone off to smoke a cigar, the stranger sought out Gerald.
“Are you English, like your friend?” he asked.
“No, sir. I am an American.”
“I didn’t quite catch the gentleman’s name.”
“Mr. Brooke.”
“Oh, I’ve heard the name before. I presume he is a rich man.”
“I never asked him,” answered Gerald, displeased with his companion’s curiosity which he considered ill-bred.
“Well, at any rate, you must have money to travel around with him.”