sale of Molesworth. But he has to settle half of it on you, doesn't he? And where do I come in?'
' You don't, I'm afraid.'
' I think Gallio made a very good bargain,' said Ginger; ' but I think it remains to be seen whether Mr. Palmer didn't make a better.'
' How's that?'
' Whether, with his American spirit of enterprise, he won't begin digging for the fabulous coal which was supposed to exist.'
Bertie looked up.
' Turn Molesworth into a colliery? He won't find it very easy. You see, he has settled it on Amelie, or, rather, is going to on our marriage.'
' By Gad! he does things in style,' said Ginger. ' And you think Amelie would not allow it?'
' I think she would attach some weight to my wishes.'
' Do you feel strongly about it? I thought you were rather in favour of its being done when it was spoken of before.'
' I know; there was an awful need of money. It is a necessity before which sentiment must give way. But now there is not. And my sentiment is rather strong. After all, it has been ours a good long time; and now we can afford to keep the coal underfoot, if it is there at all. Besides, do you know for certain that he has any thought of it?'
' No; Bilton put it into my head,' said Ginger. ' He hinted that Mr. Palmer had made a good bargain. He seemed rather elated at something, so I did not question him further. I don't like elated people. I suppose he had made some good bargain, or done somebody in the eye; that is the American idea of humour. He went off to Davos the other day.'
Bertie again looked up.
