But, my dear boy, I can't let you go without saying how deeply I
sympathise with your position. You bear it like a man, Piers; indeed
you do. I think I have mentioned to you before how strong I am on
the side of morals."
"If you please," Piers interrupted, with brow dark.
"No, no, no!" exclaimed the other. "I was far from casting any
reflection. _De mortuis_, you know; much more so when one speaks of
a father. I think, by the bye, Alec ought to write something about
him for publication; don't you? I was going to say, Piers, that, if
I remember rightly, I am in your debt for a small sum, which you
very generously lent me. Ah, that book! It grows and grows; I
_can't_ get it into final form. The fact is Continental art critics
--But I was going to say that I must really insist on being allowed
to pay my debt--indeed I must--soon as this business is
settled."
He paused, watching Piers' face. His own had not waxed more
spiritual of late years, nor had his demeanour become more likely to
inspire confidence; but he was handsome, in a way, and very fluent,
very suave.
"Be it so," replied Piers frankly; "I shall be glad of the money, I
confess."
"To be sure! You shall have it with the least possible delay. And,
Piers, it has struck us, my dear fellow, that you might like to
choose a volume or two of the good old man's library as a memento.
We beg you will do so.
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