The Klosking, too, stood and eyed the pile
of wealth with amazement and a certain reverence. "Let me count it," said
Ashmead. He did so, and it came to four thousand nine hundred and
eighty-one pounds, English money. "And to think," said he, "if you had
taken my advice you would not have a penny of this!"
"I'll take your advice now," said she. "I will never gamble again."
"Well, take my advice, and lock up the swag before a creature sees it.
Homburg is full of thieves."
She complied, and took away the money in a napkin.
Ashmead called after her to know might he order supper.
"If you will be so kind."
Ashmead rejoiced at this unguarded permission, and ordered a supper that
made Karl stare.
The Klosking returned in about half an hour, clad in a crisp _peignoir._
Ashmead confronted her. "I have ordered a bottle of champagne," said he.
Her answer surprised him. "You have done well. We must now begin to prove
the truth of the old proverb, 'Ce qui vient de la flute s'en va au
tambour.'"
At supper Mr. Ashmead was the chief drinker, and, by a natural
consequence, the chief speaker: he held out brilliant prospects; he
favored the Klosking with a discourse on advertising.
Pages:
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228