We beg you will do it at once, before you
leave."
"Thank you. I should like the Dante he used to carry in his pocket."
"A most natural wish, Piers. Take it by all means. Nothing else, you
think?"
"Yes. You once told me that you had seen a portrait of my mother. Do
you think it still exists?"
"I will inquire about it," answered Daniel gravely. "It was a framed
photograph, and at one time--many years ago--used to stand on
his writing-table. I will inquire, my dear boy."
Next, Alexander sought a private colloquy with his disinherited
brother.
"Look here, Piers," he began bluffly, "it's a cursed shame! I'm
hanged if it isn't! If we weren't so solemn, my boy, I should quote
Bumble about the law. Of course it's the grossest absurdity, and as
far as I'm concerned----. By Jove, Piers!" he cried, with sudden
change of subject, "if you knew the hard times Biddy and I have been
going through! Eh, but she's a brick, is Biddy; she sent you her
love, old boy, and that's worth something, I can tell you. But I was
going to say that you mustn't suppose I've forgotten about the debt.
You shall be repaid as soon as ever we realise this property; you
shall, Piers! And, what's more, you shall be repaid with interest;
yes, three per cent. It would be cursed meanness if I didn't."
"The fifty pounds I shall be glad of," said Piers. "I want no
interest. I'm not a money-lender.
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