"I am now an utterly ruined man."
Mr. Hilton nodded for the second time, as if he listened to something that he knew, and yet something that he was pleased to hear put into words.
"I shall not even be able to save Lyndwood or the property in the North. My credit is strained to the utmost, and it is only a matter of days before the brokers seize even my personal effects."
He smiled rather insolently and looked fixedly at his listener.
"Do you care to repeat what you said when last we met, Mr. Hilton?"
"The proposal I made you, my lord?"
"Yes."
Mr. Hilton clasped the arm of his chair with his right hand; his left fondled the ruby watch-chain, his lips were set firmly, and a little sparkle danced in his eyes.
"I repeat that proposal, my lord."