Peter considered quite gravely.
“Let me see. I was to have seen Tomlands. He’s ceding his rights in the Lodal Valley Affair and his figure goes up each day.” He considered again. “Three thousand,” he answered with a wide grin.
“I am abashed at my value,” said Aymer gravely. “I daren’t ask you to come again now.”
“Oh, I’ll have an extravagant fit again, some day. Where’s the boy?” His hand was in his pocket and Aymer heard the chink of coin.
“At work, or should be. Don’t tip him, please, Peter. He has as much as he needs.”
“How do you know? A boy needs as much as he can get. Well, don’t forget my advice. Don’t educate him.”
He was gone at last. Presumably to gather in the Lodal Rights before their value further increased.
Charles Aston did not betray any particular sorrow at missing the visitor. 101
“It’s rather odd his turning up again now after forgetting our existence so long,” he remarked, frowning. “Of course we’ve had correspondence—not very agreeable either.”
“I can hardly wonder at his not coming to see me, at all events. It’s nearly twelve years since we met, and I wasn’t very polite to him that time,” said Aymer wearily.