“_You_ know as well as _I_ do, that the world has only two sorts of people,--nobs and snobs; one has no choice--if you 're not one, you must be the other.” “And yet, sir, men of mind and intellect have written about the untitled nobility of England.” “Silver without the hall-mark, Bramleigh, won't bring six shillings an ounce, just because nobody can say how far it's adulterated; it's the same with people.” “Your tact, sir, is on a par with your wisdom.” “And perhaps you haven't a high opinion of either,” said Cutbill, with a laugh that showed he felt no irritation whatever. “But look here, Bramleigh, this will never do. If there 's nothing but blarney or banter between us, we 'll never come to business. If you agree to what I 've been proposing, you have only me to deal with; the noble lord is n't in the game at all--he 'll leave this to-night--it's right and proper he should; he 'll go up to the mines for a few days, and amuse himself with quartz and red sandstone; and when I write or telegraph,--most likely telegraph,--'The thing is safe,' he 'll come back here and make his proposal in all form.” “I am most willing to give my assistance to any project that may rescue Lord Culduff from this unpleasant predicament. Indeed, having myself experienced some of the persecution which political hatred can carry into private life, I feel a sort of common cause with him; but I protest at the same time--distinctly protest--against anything like a pledge as regards his Lordship's views towards one of my family. I mean I give no promise.” “I see,” said Cutbill, with a look of intense cunning. “You 'll do the money part. Providence will take charge of the rest. Isn't that it?” “Mr. Cutbill, you occasionally push my patience pretty hard. What I said, I said seriously and advisedly.” “Of course. Now, then, give me a line to your banker to acknowledge my draft up to a certain limit,--say five hundred. I think five ought to do it.” “It's a smart sum, Mr. Cutbill.” “The article's cheap at the money. Well, well, I 'll not anger you. Write me the order, and let me be off.” Bramleigh sat down at his table, and wrote off a short note to his junior partner in the bank, which he sealed and addressed; and handing it to Cutbill, said, “This will credit you to the amount you spoke of. It will be advanced to you as a loan without interest, to be repaid within two years.” “All right; the thought of repayment will never spoil my night's rest. I only wish all my debts would give me as little trouble.” “You ought to have none, Mr. Cutbill; a man of your abilities, at the top of a great profession, and with a reputation second to none, should, if he were commonly prudent, have ample means at his disposal.”