The Voice of Virtue 2gI
could—but there is still a matter of three thousand
pounds to find. And remember, after insuring against
all risks, and so forth, we shall be paying at the very
least four thousand per cent.”
I have never been any sort of a business man; but
a child of twelve could grasp the gigantic nature of the
proposition.
“IT have brought the papers for your inspection, my
dear Sir Peter. You will see that the capital is only
£20,000 in shares of {1 fully paid up—and I am offering
you £3000 at par.”
“It’s princely, my dear sir,” I exclaimed. ‘ You
overwhelm me. But—excuse me—I don’t see why you
need the money at all, or why you don’t sell the shares
through a broker.”’
At this moment Lou popped into the room. It
annoyed me. Did I show it? Her face went suddenly
white as marble. She stood. in the doorway of the
bedroom for a moment, swaying; and then went
swiftly and softly through the room to the hallway.
The portiére swung to behind her—and I instantly
forgot her existence, after vaguely supposing that she
had gone to get her furs to show to Gretel, returning
to the bedroom by the other door so as not to disturb
us.
Platt was explaining the situation. ‘“ A most un-
fortunate affair, Sir Peter! I fear I am overmuch
preoccupied with the welfare of my fellows—and in con-
sequence neglect my own. I certainly was surprised,
when I went to my bank to see if I had enough money
to purchase these chemical works, to find my balance
so large—I am only too accustomed, alas! to find
that my impulsive charity has denuded my little
savings. But 4 only discovered last month that £3000
of the amount did nut belong to me at all ; it was part
of a fund of which I am trustee. I am not allowed by
our foolish laws to invest trust funds in such securities
as this Schneezugchemischerwerke of ours; and I must
replace the £3000 by the end of the month, or the