"Is it? You accept it as such, I daresay, and things are as they appear to each separate individual. No two human beings think alike; hence there may be conflicting opinions as to the reality or non-reality of this present world. But we will not take unnecessary plunges into the infinite question of what _is_, as contrasted with what appears to be. I have some letters here for your consideration. You have lately spoken of buying a country estate--what say you to Willowsmere Court in Warwickshire? I have had my eye on that place for you,--it seems to me just the very thing. It is a magnificent old pile; part of it dates from Elizabeth's time. It is in excellent repair; the grounds are most picturesque, the classic river Avon winds with rather a broad sweep through the park,--and the whole thing, with a great part of the furniture included, is to be sold for a mere song;--fifty thousand pounds cash. I think you had better go in for it; it would just suit your literary and poetic tastes." Was it my fancy, or had his musical voice the faintest touch of a sneer as he uttered the last words? I would not allow myself to think this possible, and answered quickly,-- "Anything _you_ recommend must be worth looking at, and I'll certainly go and see it. The description sounds well, and Shakespeare's country always appeals to me. But wouldn't you like to secure it for yourself?" He laughed. "Not I! I live nowhere for long. I am of a roving disposition, and am never happy tied down to one corner of the earth. But I suggest Willowsmere to you for two reasons,--first that it is charming and perfectly appointed; secondly, that it will impress Lord Elton considerably if he knows you are going to buy it." "How so?" "Why, because it used to be his property"--returned Lucio quietly--"till he got into the hands of the Jews. He gave them Willowsmere as security for loans, and latterly they have stepped in as owners. They've sold most of the pictures, china, bric-a-brac and other valuables. By the way, have you noticed how the legended God still appears to protect the house of Israel? Particularly the 'base usurer' who is allowed to get the unhappy Christian into his clutches nine times out of ten? And no remedy drops from heaven! The Jew always triumphs. Rather inconsistent isn't it, on the part of an equitable Deity!" His eyes flashed strange scorn. Anon he resumed--"As a result of Lord Elton's unfortunate speculations, and the Jews' admirable shrewdness, Willowsmere, as I tell you is in the market, and fifty thousand pounds will make you the envied owner of a place worth a hundred thousand." "We dine at the Eltons' to-night, do we not?" I asked musingly. "We do. You cannot have forgotten that engagement and Lady Sibyl so soon surely!" he answered laughing.