He remembered how fixed was her dislike to Brian, and that, although, as she had said, she had no wish to control his actions in regard to his cousin, she would probably not be pleased to know that he had regarded even her suggestion so lightly. Somewhat quakingly, therefore, he sought her presence on his return to the house. "Well, you rascal," she said, smiling, as she heard his step in the room, "I suppose you have been running about town, throwing your money about, eh?" The shaft struck home, although she had only spoken in jest, and Comethup winced. "Well, not exactly throwing it about, aunt," he began; but she checked him. "There, there, I don't want to know anything about it. I gave you the money to spend, and I expect you to do as you like with it. I don't want you to indulge in wanton waste--that would be absurd; and I don't think you're likely to do it. But you needn't stint yourself. And let me know when you want any more. By the way, as to-morrow is our last real day in town, and there'll be a good many things to attend to, I think we'll go to the theatre to-night--something bright, with music in it. Would you like to do so?" "Very much, aunt," he replied. "Very well, then; you'd better go and see if you can get a box--a box is always more comfortable. Now I want you to learn to please yourself, and to choose for yourself, and then you'll please me. Just look down this morning's paper and see what piece you think we should both like, and then take a hansom--I heard you drive up in one just now; I'm glad to see you're finding your way about--take a hansom, and drive off to the theatre and get a box for to-night. If you can't get it at one place, get it at another; you've got money enough. Get a big box, near the stage." Comethup tremblingly began to fumble in his pockets. He had no very distinct idea of what a box would cost, but he knew it was an expensive matter, and the gold coins in his pocket were remarkably few. He coughed and hesitated, and Miss Carlaw began to show signs of impatience. "Well, what are you waiting for? Don't you want to go? For Heaven's sake, boy, don't stand there in that fashion! Comethup, is anything the matter?" Her voice had changed in a moment, and she came rapidly across the room to him. "Comethup, something has happened. What is it?" "If you please, aunt--I--I'm dreadfully sorry, but how much does a box cost?" "What the devil's that got to do with it? Anything from two and a half to three guineas, if it's a good one. What _is_ the matter with you?" "Well," said Comethup, slowly, "I'm afraid I haven't got money enough." She stood quite still for a moment, as if not fully understanding what he said. "Not money enough?" she echoed at last. "But, my dear boy, haven't you cashed the cheque I gave you--the fifty pounds, you know?" "Yes, aunt, I cashed it. But--I'm dreadfully sorry--there isn't much of it left--not enough for that."