There was an apparent truth in this argument which the poor woman was unable to answer.  Before the interview was over the money demanded was forthcoming, though at the time it could be but ill afforded, and the youth went away apparently with a light heart, hardly listening to his mother’s entreaties that the affair with Marie Melmotte might, if possible, be brought to a speedy conclusion.

Felix, when he left his mother, went down to the only club to which he now belonged.  Clubs are pleasant resorts in all respects but one.  They require ready money or even worse than that in respect to annual payments,—­money in advance; and the young baronet had been absolutely forced to restrict himself.  He, as a matter of course, out of those to which he had possessed the right of entrance, chose...