"You only discover that when the money is gone," said Will, accustomed to his father's philosophic and easy way of taking things.
"Not at all. I have for some time back been proud to class myself amongst the richest and oldest families of England, in regard to the moral shadiness of our right to live on the produce of gigantic thievery. You see——"
"I see, sir, that the moment you lose your money, you become a philosophic Radical."
"Ah, well," said Mr. Anerley, sending a sigh after his vanished riches, "I don't think the misfortune has touched us much, when we can transfer it into the region of first principles. Perhaps I had better go up to town with you to-morrow, and see what practical issues it must lead to."
"And in the meantime," said Will, "don't tell either of the women."
CHAPTER XXVI
THE COUNT'S CHANCE.
"Where is Mr. Melton?" asked the Count.
"Up in the 'flies,' sir, I believe," said the prompter. "Shall I send for him?"
"No, I shall go up to him," said the Count.