pleasantly. He wished to be famous, to have his name in every
mouth and his portrait in every paper; but the work that was
necessary to obtain these desirable things he was unwilling to
do. Cuthbert knew that the young fellow had been "born
tired"! and although something of an idler himself, liked
Basil none the more for his laziness. Had Mallow been poor he
would certainly have earned his bread, but he had a good
income and did not work. And, after all, he only pursued the
way of life in which he had been brought up. But Basil was
poor and had his career to make, therefore he certainly should
have labored. However, for Juliet's sake, Cuthbert was as
polite as possible.

"If I were you, Saxon, I should leave cards alone," said
Mallow.

"Nonsense! I don't play high. Besides, I have seen you at
Maraquito's also losing a lot."

"I can afford to lose," said Cuthbert dryly, "you can't."

"No, by Jove, you're right there. But don't preach, Mallow,
you ain't such a saint yourself."

"Can I help you with a cheque?"

Basil had good breeding enough to color.

"No! I didn't explain myself for that," he said coldly, "and
besides, if Juliet comes in for Aunt Selina's money, I'll get