‘Oh, indeed!’

There had been a shade of doubt on Montague’s mind, till the tone in which Melmotte had spoken of the embassy grated on his ears.  The reference to the expenses disgusted him altogether.  ’No;—­even did I see my way to do any good in America my duties here would not be compatible with the undertaking.’

’I don’t see that at all.  What duties have you got here?  What good are you doing the Company?  If you do stay, I hope you’ll be unanimous; that’s all;—­or perhaps you intend to go out.  If that’s it, I’ll look to your money.  I think I told you that before.’

‘That, Mr Melmotte, is what I should prefer...