‘You’re a spendthrift,’ said Melmotte, apparently relenting, ’and I’m afraid a gambler.  I suppose I must give you L200 more on account.’

Sir Felix could not resist the touch of ready money, and consented to take the sum offered.  As he pocketed the cheque he asked for the name of the brokers who were employed to buy the shares.  But here Melmotte demurred ‘No, my friend,’ said Melmotte; ’you are only entitled to shares for L600 pounds now.  I will see that the thing is put right.’  So Sir Felix departed with L200 only.  Marie had said that she could get L200.  Perhaps if he bestirred himself and wrote to some of Miles’s big relations he could obtain payment of a part of that gentleman’s...