"Reflection of your sickly face, I suppose," said Saul, with a forced laugh, "or else I turned pale at the idea of your marrying." "Why?" "Such a loss to bachelors' society." "Don't be alarmed; I may break out again now and then; but if I do, don't let old Lawrence touch me." "No; that was unfortunate. But look here, George, have you thought any more about that investment?" "No, how could I--upset like this? Here, I'm faint. Ring that bell." Saul touched the hand-bell, and Mrs Denton came hurrying down. "Here, old girl, bring some whiskey-and-soda." Mrs Denton lifted the corner of her apron, and began to pleat it. "I beg your pardon, sir; the doctor said--" "Hang the doctor! He didn't say my friends were to choke with thirst. Bring the brandy, and be quick. Strange thing one can't do what one likes in one's own place. What were you saying, Saul?" "About that investment." "What do I want with investments?" said the convalescent shortly. "I've plenty of money." "I should have thought you were the very man who did want investments, only getting three per cent, for your money." "Think about yourself," was the gruff rejoinder. "Well, I was not thinking about myself over that, or I should have asked you to lend me the coin." "No, I say, don't," cried the other, laughing. "We are such good friends, Saul, and I should offend you if you did ask." "Don't be alarmed. I've enough for my wants," said Saul gruffly. "Glad to hear it. Then on a little more generous over paying your share when we are out." Saul winced. "Turn for turn, you know." "If I'm so mean you shouldn't go out with me; and next time I suggest an investment to you, tell me of it." "There, don't cut up rough, man. That's right, old girl; put it down here." "Please don't let master drink, Mr Saul, sir," whispered the old housekeeper. Saul gave her a meaning nod and look, and the old lady went back to the house satisfied, while Saul drew his chair from the shadow of the great lilac to get nearer the table. "I suppose I may," he said. "May! Of course; open a bottle for me, too, and don't be stingy with the whiskey." "But are you sure that it will not hurt you?" "Hurt! No; it does me good." He lay back watching Saul, who poured out a very liberal quantity of whiskey into a tall glass. "That enough?" he said. "Well, no--little drop more." Saul tilted a half wine-glass more into the tumbler before proceeding to open a bottle of soda-water, and pretending to be too intent to note that the convalescent took a goodly sip of the raw spirit in the glass. "There," said Saul, as the cork he set free flew out with a loud and he trickled the effervescent water into the tumbler, "that ought to do you good, old fellow." "It will," said his companion, taking a deep draught with the more enjoyment because it was forbidden. "And if you like to alter your mind, and invest that money--two thousand--I'll still see that you have the chance, in spite of your sneers."