Sir Andrew was placid as a lamb, and said not a word. He played with his watch keys, and gazed at the fire, until, when his noisy visitors had departed, he smiled, and said, “Well, let them howl as much as they like. I am all right—so that’s all that concerns me! It wasn’t a bad idea! They can’t touch the money of mine now which my wife placed to the account of her sister, for it is all in the name of a third party, and is taken for her own personalty. Who cares if others do lose? Why, if we had paid the policies, I shouldn’t be worth one penny! In fact, we couldn’t pay it. By closing doors we have ‘done’ them all, and saved ourselves! They may say what they please; ‘business is business,’ but let every one take care of themselves.” CHAPTER XXIII. MISERIES ACCUMULATE THICK AND FAST—FEARFUL SITUATION OF SON AND FATHER-IN-LAW. Every one did take care of themselves. No sooner had the news spread that the insurance office had closed up its business than a whole host of tradesmen sent in their “little bills,” and Sir Andrew’s residence was besieged with creditors. In order to escape their annoyance and importunities it was resolved that the much-persecuted gentleman should make a sojourn in the country, by which time “the storm would have blown over.” “How much money did you draw from the bank to-day on your sister’s account, wife?” asked old Sir Andrew, of his spouse, as they both sat before the parlour fire, talking of his intended journey. “Five thousand pounds, my dear,” was the reply. “Thinking you would prefer it, and that it would be more safe, I drew it in a single package of notes. I went very early, and escaped much notice. Phillip Redgill is a clerk there, now, I see. The bank messenger brought the packet. It is in the safe.” Evening had now closed in, and the parlour blinds were drawn. A loud knock was heard at the door, and rudely shoving the servant out of the way, Phillip Redgill somewhat intoxicated, ushered himself without ceremony into the parlour. “How often must I forbid you my house, Phillip Redgill?” Sir Andrew began, rising in fatherly majesty and wrath. “How often will you compel me to insult you, sir? “You have been the cause of all my losses and humiliations, and I curse the hour I ever saw you. “You have robbed me of my only daughter; you have repeatedly dishonoured that miserable old man, your late father; you have lost all honour yourself, and now you dishonour me. “For the last time I tell you to be gone! “Leave my house, sir, and never place foot in it again! “My daughter is now yours——Be calm, my wife, and don’t interrupt me——You have clandestinely married her, contrary to my hopes and wishes, and now you must provide for her the best way you can. “I have disowned her! “She has married the poor, penniless beggar, forger, and blackleg, as you are, sir, and no longer has any claims on me.