The Argosy — page 203: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

186 Lady Grace. ‘* And made payable here ?” Cyras nodded. * And what is the amount ?” ‘Can’t remember. A hundred pounds or so. It’s a Bond Street tailor. I was obliged to have a regular rig-out. Colonial tailors don’t do for London.” Charles Baumgarten recalled a rumour he had heard about a month before—that whispered enquiries were being made as to his finances. ‘‘Cyras, do you want to ruin me?” he cried, in a startled tone. ‘‘T must take up these bills if you do not.” “Take up the bills!” echoed Cyras. ‘‘ What for? You did not accept them.” “But the people think I did.” Rubbish! Let them think what they like. Ill go with you to the parties, and show myself, and convict them of their error. Charley, lad, what a long face you are drawing! Just as you used to do when we were young boys and I led you into ascrape. Didn't I always get you out of it then? And [ll get you out of this. In fact, you are not in it.” ‘“ How will you get me out of it ?” ‘By paying the bills myself. Tl settle all up before leaving England.” ‘Why not pay at once?” “Can't,” lightly returned Cyras. ‘* Money runs away over here ; it simply melts in Paris. I brought about three hundred pounds with me, and it’s all gone. I’ve telegraphed out to old Brice to send me more.” ‘“Why did you not pay the jeweller at the time you bought his goods P” “The bill came to so much more than I had thought for, and I hadn’t enough in my pocket. Oh, it’s all right, old fellow.” ‘‘And pray, Cyras, if I may put so bold a question, for whom were all those pretty things bought ?” “For one and another. Some for myself. Some for Gertrude. Some to send out to Wellington.” ** For Gertrude?” “To be sure. I’m keeping them all for her. Having left Wel- lington so hastily I was not able to lay in a stock of presents, so I got some over here. And I got some for Mrs. Carington.” ‘Who on earth is she ?” ‘Our purser’s wife. She made the passage with him this time, to pay a visit to his folks in London. Good-hearted people, both of them, and made as much of me on board as if I had been a lord. The ship is chartered by Brice and Jansen, you know, Charley.” “Then you will go with me to these people about the bills, Cyras—the jeweller and the tailor?” resumed Charles, after a pause. COMIC OOOKS.€o