"It will be best; and write soon, else he might think there was something wrong--of which, my dear," added Kingsley, rubbing his forehead, "I am not quite sure myself." "What makes you say that, Kingsley?" asked Nansie, anxiously. "Well, my darling," replied Kingsley, "it is altogether the best to look things straight in the face, isn't it?" "Quite the best, dear." "We have decided on that before, Nansie." "Yes, dear." "It isn't the first time I have made the remark, but that does not lessen its force and truth. Well, then, my affairs are settled." "Is everything paid, Kingsley?" "Everything. We do not owe one penny in the world. What do you think I discovered, Nansie?" "I cannot imagine, dear." "That I had a great deal more property than I supposed." "That is delightful news, dear." "Yes, isn't it?" said Kingsley, with a light, puzzled laugh. "When I say property, I don't mean land. Wish I _could_ mean it, because it would represent something tangible in the way of an income, perhaps; and that is what we want, Nansie, don't we? An income." "It would be very pleasant, dear," said Nansie, with a fond look of pity at him. "Yes, very pleasant; it would rub away the crosses of life." She recalled him to his theme. "You were saying that you discovered you had more property than you supposed?" "Yes, that is what I was saying. And not land, as I should have liked; but wine. Really a little stock, and of the best. Of course it would be the best. And books, some of them valuable; and _bric-à-brac_. I was astonished when we came to look through them. And pictures, too. I was surprised how ever I came to buy them; but money always burned in my pockets, Nansie. When it was there it had to be spent. Do you know a greater pleasure, my dear, than spending money?" "It is a pleasant occupation, Kingsley, when one has it to spare." "Of course, that." "Do me a great favor, dear." "I will. Just say what it is." "Tell me everything you did while you were away, without--without--" Kingsley laughed gayly and took up her words. "Without flying off into side paths, eh? Keep to the main road. Is that the great favor?" "Yes, dear."