And very grumblingly Cassis obliged.
"We have staked a lot of money on this affair," he said.
"Yes, and not a little reputation," replied the old man.
"Don't follow your reasoning."
"I'm getting old, Cassis, reaching the age when the hereafter becomes the nearafter."
"Then I should retire from business before you waste any more money," said Cassis with surprising venom.
But Mr. Torrington did not resent the remark since he knew how nerves affect certain dispositions.
The arrival of Lord Almont Frayne, resplendent from the Opera, relieved the situation of tension. It would have taken a very practised eye to detect anxiety under the mask of bored and elegant indifference he had assumed. He apologised for being late, but had been button-holed by a fellow in the foyer who wanted to talk polo. Very disappointing evening altogether. The prima donna had sung flat and an understudy was on for Tenor's part. It was only as an after thought he mentioned the object of their meeting and he touched upon it in the lightest vein.
"Nothing doing?"
"Nothing."