The men had seated themselves, and the pretty model was pouring tea into three dainty little cups.
Egerton frowned impatiently.
“This sort of talk isn’t like you, Hugh, and it sounds bad. Surely you don’t contemplate leaving us altogether?”
“I must—I cannot remain.”
“Why?”
“I’ve already told you. I’m ruined.”
“Ruined—good God—you’re joking! But even if you are—confound it—why should you go? Other men have got on their legs again.”
“I never shall,” Trethowen replied sadly. “It’s impossible.”
“If you’ll tell us about it,” said the artist persuasively, “we can judge for ourselves.”
“Well, briefly told, the facts are these, old fellow. You are aware I’m only the younger son, and that on my father’s death my elder brother, Douglas, with whom I’ve not been on friendly terms for several years, succeeded to the estate.”
The other nodded acquiescence.
“My father undoubtedly meant well,” Hugh continued, “for he left me some property yielding nearly five hundred a year. Upon this I lived for five years, but—”
“And what more could you expect?” interrupted his friend. “Surely that’s enough for a bachelor to live upon?”
“It would have been, I admit,” he replied despondently. “Unfortunately, I have been compelled to dispose of the property.”
“Why?”
“To temporarily satisfy my hungry creditors.”
“Are they numerous?”
“Numerous! Why, they’re so plentiful that, by Jove, I’ve never troubled to count ’em.”
“But how have you become so entangled?”
“The usual method is responsible, old chap—tempting fortune,” he replied bitterly. “The fact is, things have been going wrong for a long time past, and I’ve disposed of all I’m worth in an endeavour to settle up honourably. It’s no use, however—I’ve sunk deeper and deeper into the mire, until the only means by which to extricate myself is to go right away. Dunned on every side, with county court summonses descending in showers, the Hebrew Shylocks who hold me in their accursed clutches seem to be taking a delight in crushing me out of existence.”
The artist was mute with astonishment. He had always considered his friend very lucky in having ample means at his command, and had never imagined he was in such straits.
“Then, as I understand, you’ve had to go to the Jews, and they’ve foreclosed,” he said, after silently contemplating the canvas before him.
“Exactly,” Hugh replied. “Think. What can a fellow do when he’s about town like I’ve been? He must necessarily follow the example of others on the course and in the clubs, if he doesn’t wish to be ranked with outsiders. As an instance, I lost over the St. Leger a clear eight hundred.”
“Whew! If that’s the case, I’m at a loss to give advice,” exclaimed Egerton gravely.
“It would be of no assistance,” he said. “Like an ass, I’ve run through all I possess, with the exception of a bare couple of pounds a week. I must therefore drag out an existence in one of those dismal old continental towns that seem to be provided as harbours of refuge for unfortunate fellows like myself. I’m truly sorry to leave you both, but needs must when the devil drives.”
“Why not remain here? If you are hard hit, I can see no reason why you should bury yourself,” contended the artist thoughtfully.
“No, Mr. Trethowen,” added Dolly, gazing into her teacup in a vain endeavour to hide the tears that stood in her eyes, “don’t leave us. Why, Mr. Egerton would not have half the spirit for his work if you didn’t run in now and then and make him laugh.”
“I—I cannot remain,” he replied hesitatingly. “You see, I’m utterly incapable of making a fresh start in life, for I’ve no profession. Besides, there’s a much stronger reason for my departure. It’s absolutely imperative.”
His face was lined with pain and sorrow, as he drew a deep sigh, the index to a heavy heart.
“What’s the reason?” demanded his friend, glancing sharply at him.
“Because, if I don’t get away almost immediately I shall find myself arrested.”
“Arrested?”
He nodded, but for a few moments no words escaped his lips.
“Yes, Jack, old fellow, I’m in a terrible fix,” he replied in a gloomy tone unusual to him. “I’ll confide in you because I can trust you. Three months ago I was hard pressed for money, and seeing a dishonest way of obtaining it, I yielded to the temptation of the moment. I imitated a signature, and drew a thousand pounds.”
“Forgery!” the artist exclaimed, dumbfounded.
“Call it what you like. The bill is due the day after to-morrow, then the fraud will be detected.”
He uttered the words mechanically, his head bowed upon his breast.
Jack Egerton bit his lip. He could scarcely realise the grave importance of his companion’s words.
“Are there no means by which I can assist you, Hugh?” he asked presently in a sympathetic tone.
“None. There is room enough in the world for everybody to stretch himself. You understand my departure is inevitable. It is either arrest or exile, and I choose the latter.”
“I’m afraid it is; but, look here. Have a trifle on loan from me—say a hundred.”
“Not a penny, Jack. I couldn’t take it from you, indeed,” he replied, his voice trembling with an emotion he was unable to subdue. “With finances at the present low ebb I could never repay you. Perhaps, however, there may be a day when I shall require a good turn, and I feel confident of your firm friendship.”
“Rely on it,” the artist said, warmly grasping his hand. “You have my most sincere sympathy, Hugh; for bad luck like yours might fall upon any of us. In times gone by you’ve often assisted me and cheered me when I’ve been downcast and dispirited. It is, therefore, my duty to render you in return any service in my power.”
Hugh Trethowen rose, listless and sad. The lightheartedness and careless gaiety which were his chief characteristics had given place to settled gloom and despair. “Thanks for your kind words, old fellow,” he exclaimed gravely. “I really ought not to trouble you with my miseries, so I’ll wish you farewell.”
The handsome girl, who had been silent and thoughtful, listening to the conversation, was unable to control her feelings, and burst into tears.
“Don’t cry, Dolly,” said he in a sorry attempt to comfort her. “Jack and yourself are old friends whom I much regret leaving, but don’t take it to heart in this way.”
Raising her hand reverently to his lips he kissed it, with a murmured adieu.
She did not reply, but, burying her face in the rich silk robe she wore, wept bitterly.
For a moment he stood contemplating her, then, turning to the artist, he said:
“Good-bye, Jack.”
“Good-bye, Hugh,” replied Egerton, wringing his hand earnestly. “Remember, whatever happens, I am always your friend—always.”
A few brief words of thanks, and Hugh Trethowen snatched up his hat and stick, and, drawing aside the heavy plush portière before the door,