"This ugly scoundrel is always out and busy over mining matters; that ugly scoundrel is living away at chambers, money-making at the Stock Exchange," said Clive, smiling. "Humph! Mining and undermining. Well, young men like to look at pretty girls." "Of course, Doctor," said Clive. "I do. I'm looking now at the prettiest, sweetest--" "Don't be a young fool," cried the Doctor testily. "I can describe Janet better than you can. Now, look here, boy; I've got two things to say to you. First of all, about this `White Virgin'." "Yours?" said Clive, still glancing at Janet, over whom his brother was now bending, as the maid who carried the tray made the cups dash as she opened the door, and then hurried out as if to avoid a scolding. "No, young idiot; yours--your father's," said the Doctor, rather sharply. "Hang that organ!" "Yes, they are a nuisance," said the younger man, as one of the popular tunes was struck up just inside the square. "Well, what about the mine, sir?" "Only this, my lad: I've got a few thousands put aside; you know that." "Yes, sir; I supposed you had." "Oh, you knew," said the Doctor suspiciously. "Yes; I think I heard something of the kind." "Humph!" "There, Doctor, don't take up that tone. Give me Janet, and leave your money to a hospital." "No; hang me if I do! I haven't patience with them, sir. The way in which hospitals are imposed upon is disgraceful. People who ought to be able to pay for medical and surgical advice go and sponge upon hospitals in a way that--Oh, hang it, that's not what I wanted to say. Look here, Clive, if this new mine--" "No, sir: very old mine." "Well, very old mine--is a good thing, I should like to have a few thousands in it. Now, then, would it be safe? Stop, confound you! If you deceive me, you shan't have Janet." "If ever I'm ill, I shall go to another doctor," said Clive quietly. "Yes, you'd better, sir! He'd poison you." "Well, he wouldn't insult me, Doctor." "Bah! nonsense; I was joking, my dear boy. Come, tell me. Here, feel the pulse of my purse, and tell me what to do." "I will," said the younger man. "Wait, sir. I don't know enough about it yet to give a fair opinion. At present everything looks wonderfully easy. It's a very ancient mine. It was worked by the Romans, and whatever was done was in the most primitive way, leaving lodes and veins untouched, and which are extending possibly to an immense depth, rich, and probably containing a very large percentage of silver." "Well, come, that's good enough for anything." "Yes, but I am not sure yet, Doctor. I'm not going to give you advice that might result in your losing heavily, and then upbraiding me for years to come." "No, dear boy. You would only be losing your own money; for, of course, it will be Janet's and yours."