"I can only presume that you thought I was mad."
"Thought you were mad! I am beginning to think so now."
"You flatter me. And--then there's the tip for Ceruleans. I--I confess that I have taken advantage of it; but had I known what I know now, I would sooner first have died. I have not yet received the whole of my gains--indeed, I have only received a portion as a favour from a friend. Here, Mrs Murphy, is a cheque for £5,000."
Mr Coventry thrust another slip of paper into the astonished lady's hand. She kept her presence of mind admirably upon the whole.
"I suppose, Mr Coventry, that you are a gentleman?"
"I suppose I was until you taught me otherwise."
"Then, as a gentleman, perhaps you will keep silence while a lady speaks."
Mr Coventry shrugged his shoulders.
"I see that I have here ten notes of a thousand pounds each. Am I to understand that someone has made you a present of £10,000?"
"Mrs Murphy, pray don't dissemble!"