He wanted to repay you immediately, and
asked me to lend him the money for that purpose; unfortunately, I
hadn't it to lend. And to think that, after all, he never paid you!
A mere fifty pounds! Why, the thing is unpardonable! In my case the
sum was substantial enough to justify me in retaining it for your
future benefit. But to owe fifty pounds, and shirk payment--no, I
call that really disgraceful. If ever I meet Alexander----!"
Piers was coldly amused. When Daniel sought to draw him into general
conversation, with inquiries as to his mode of life, and where he
dwelt, the younger brother again spoke with decision. They were not
likely, he said, to see more of each other, and he felt as little
disposed to give familiar information as to ask it; whereupon Daniel
drew himself up with an air of dignified offence, and saying, "I
wish you better manners," turned on his heel.
Piers walked on at a rapid pace. Noticing again a well-dressed
prowler of the pavement, whose approaches this time were welcomed, a
feeling of nausea came upon him. He hailed a passing cab, and drove
home.
A week later, he heard from Mrs. Hannaford that she and Olga were
established in their own home; she begged him to come and see them
soon, mentioning an evening when they would be glad if he could dine
with them. And Piers willingly accepted.
The house was at Campden Hill; a house of the kind known to agents
as "desirable," larger than the two ladies needed for their comfort,
and, as one saw on entering the hall, famished with tasteful care.
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