“And now,” said the barrister, “may I ask as a friend to what use you intend to put your newly found wealth?”
“Oh, that is simple enough. I have to pay £500 which I lost in bets over that beastly unlucky match. Then I have a splendid ‘spec,’ into which I will now be able to place about £2,000—a thing which I have good reason to believe will bring me in at least ten thou’ within the year, and there is nearly a thousand pounds to go on with. And all thanks to you.”
“Never mind thanking me. I am only too glad to have taken such a part in the affair. I will not forget this night as long as I live.”
“Nor I. Just think of it. I might be lying in the gardens now, or in some mortuary, with half my head blown off.”
“Tell me,” said Bruce, between the contemplative puffs of a cigar, “what induced you to think of suicide?”
“It was a combination of circumstances,” replied the other. “You must understand that I was somewhat worried about financial and family matters when I came to Monte Carlo. It was not to gamble, in a sense, that I remained here. I have loafed about the world a good deal, but I may honestly say I never made a fool of myself at cards or backing horses. At most kinds of sport I am fairly proficient, and in pigeon-shooting, which goes on here extensively, I am undoubtedly an expert. For instance, all this season I have kept myself in funds simply by means of these competitions.”
His hearer nodded approvingly.
“Well, in the midst of my minor troubles, I must needs go and fall over head and ears in love—a regular bad case. She is the first woman I ever spoke two civil words to. We met at a picnic along the Corniche Road, and she sat upon me so severely that I commenced to defend myself by showing that I was not such a surly brute as I looked. By Jove, in a week we were engaged.”
The barrister indulged in a judicial frown.