“I suppose there is some in the house,” said Tom quietly.
“You can do without it,” said Corinthia spitefully.
“Will you tell me if anything has happened?” asked Tom, laying down his knife and fork. “Probably there is some cause for your change of treatment.”
“Something has happened,” said Mrs. Middleton with a look of spiteful exultation.
“I should like to hear what it is.”
“You have lost your fortune.”
“That accounts for it,” said Tom significantly. “I am no longer surprised. As I am rather interested, will you be kind enough to let me know all about it?”
“Tell him, Nathan,” said Corinthia.
“Ahem!” said Mr. Middleton. “I regret to communicate bad tidings, but I was at Centerville this morning, and learned from Mr. Sharp that through the bad way in which your money was invested when it came into his hands, the whole has melted away, and you are a beggar.”
“Not quite,” said Tom proudly. “I may be poor, but no one will ever see me beg.”