"I hope you approve of Silverbel, Ogilvie; it is really cheap at the price; and, of course, everyone knows that you have returned a very rich man. It would have been pleasanter for me had you been at home when the purchase was made, but Mrs. Ogilvie was insistent. She had taken a strong fancy to the place. There were several other less expensive country places in the market, but the only one which would please her was Silverbel. I cabled to you, but got no reply. Your wife implored me to act, and I lent her the deposit. The purchase must be completed at the end of October, in about a month from now. I hope you don't blame me, Ogilvie?" "I don't blame you--I understand my wife. It would have been difficult to refuse her. Of course, had you done so matters might have been a little easier for me now. As it is, I will pay you back the deposit. I have my cheque-book with me." "What do you mean?" "I should like to write a cheque for you now. I must get this matter put straight, and, Acland, you must find another purchaser." "Not really!" cried Mr. Acland. "The place is beautiful, and cheap at the price, and you have come back a rich man." "On the contrary, I have returned to England practically a pauper." "No!" cried Mr. Acland; "but the report of the Lombard Deeps----" "Hush, you will know all soon. It is sufficient for you at present to receive the news in all confidence that I am a ruined man. Not that it matters. There will be a trifle for my wife--nothing else concerns me. May I fill in this cheque?" "You can do so, of course," replied Acland. "I shall receive the money in full sooner or later from the other purchaser, and then you can have it back." "It would be a satisfaction to me, however, to pay you the deposit you lent my wife at once." "Very well." Ogilvie filled in a cheque for two thousand pounds. "You had better see Mrs. Ogilvie with regard to this," he said, as he stood up. "You transacted the business with her, and you must break to her what I have already done, but what I fear she fails to believe, that the purchase cannot possibly go on. It will not be in my power, Acland, to complete it, even if I should be alive at the time." "I know another man only too anxious to purchase," said Acland; "but I am deeply sorry for you--your child so ill, your own mission to Queensland a failure." "Yes, quite a failure. I won't detain you any longer now. I may need your services again presently." Ogilvie went from the lawyer's house straight to his own in Belgrave Square. It was in the hands of a caretaker. A seedy-looking man in a rusty black coat opened the door. He did not know Ogilvie. "I am the master," said Ogilvie; "let me in, please." The man stood aside. "Has a telegram come for me?" "Yes, sir, five minutes ago." Ogilvie tore it open, and read the contents. "Meeting of directors at one o'clock to-morrow, at Cannon Street Hotel. Not necessary for you to be present unless you wish. GRAYLEIGH."