They proceeded for a considerable time through a dark hall, which must have had a secret door that had escaped their observation, since, in their search above mentioned, they had seen nothing of the kind. Suddenly, at the end of the hall, which gradually became lighter, the figure disappeared, and Ned Warbeck, with his servant, Tim, felt the floor give way under them, and soon perceived they were descending at a rapid rate by the means of some invisible machine! CHAPTER XXVI. MR. PHILLIP’S MARRIED LIFE. All Mr. Redgill’s calculations for worldly prosperity had hitherto proved untrue. Disappointed in his father’s affairs, he had married wholly and solely for mere consideration of money. But the smashing of Sir Andrew’s offices, and of the South Sea Bank, in the general monetary “crash” which had suddenly and unexpectedly come upon all the banks, had found him bereft of nearly every friend, with no money, little credit, and a very gaily-inclined wife to support. Sir Andrew and lady had retired to their little country house to reside, where they expected to be somewhat relieved from the importunities of creditors. And thus Mr. Redgill was left alone in his glory on the scene of his bygone triumphs. He knew not in which way to move to gain an income commensurate with his habits and his wants. An ordinary young man would have sought out and taken his spouse to modest lodgings, the rates and expenses of which he might reasonably expect to meet and readily defray. Such economical ideas did not coincide with Phillip’s practice and proverbial philosophy. He boldly drove up to a first-class hotel, and, with the air of a millionaire, selected elegant apartments, but without the remotest idea as to when of how he should be able to pay for them. He dined sumptuously every day, and drank expensive wines. He smoked the very best cigars. Found fault almost with everything, bullied and harassed the servants beyond human endurance. He strutted or lounged about, picking his teeth, and ogling the ladies with all the airs and manners of an unlimitedly-credited ambassador or Nabob. By borrowing money from former associates and acquaintance, but more with the manner of one who was conferring a favour rather than begging one, he contrived to meet incidental expenses, and played cards, and attended bear baitings with his former elegant manners, but very adroitly contrived to postpone the adjustment of all bills presented to him. After two months’ residence at the hotel the polite and gentlemanly proprietor presented his bill, and hinted at the desirability of payment.