“If only we had something of our own that we could sell, we wouldn’t think of asking you for this favor,” Iris murmured.
Doris had been awaiting an opportunity to bring up the subject of the paper which Cora and Henry Sully had mentioned. The housekeeper had returned to the kitchen and she decided to risk being overheard.
“Of course you don’t want to mortgage your house,” she declared. “What a pity you haven’t any land or stock of any kind.”
Azalea laughed.
“As it happens, we have some oil company bonds but they aren’t worth anything. Iris and I were very gullible to buy them. Millions have been lost in the oil fields but we didn’t realize it until too late.”
“Oil bonds, did you say?” Doris demanded eagerly.
Iris nodded.
“Yes, we lost several thousand dollars.”
“And you still have the certificates?”
Iris did not reply, for just at that moment Cora Sully appeared to remove the dishes and the Misses Gates made it a point never to discuss personal affairs or business before their servants. Upon leaving the dining room Doris started to bring up the subject again but before she could do so, Ronald Trent was announced.