’Pretty well, I thank you.  Oh, yes;—­very nice place for a little fresh air.’

’Yes;—­that’s just it, Mr Melmotte.  When the summer comes one does long so to see the flowers.’

‘We have better flowers in our balconies than any I see down here,’ said Mr Melmotte.

’No doubt;—­because you can command the floral tribute of the world at large.  What is there that money will not do?  It can turn a London street into a bower of roses, and give you grottoes in Grosvenor Square.’

‘It’s a very nice place, is London.’

‘If you have got plenty of money, Mr Melmotte.’

’And if you have not, it’s the best place I know to get it...