When at last the atmosphere was clear of
his depressing influence, we met despondently
in the potato-cellar — all of us, that is, but
Harold, who had been told off to accompany
his relative to the station ; and the feeling was
unanimous, that, as an uncle, William could not
be allowed to pass. Selina roundly declared
him a beast, pointing out that he had not even
got us a half-holiday ; and, indeed, there seemed
little to do but to pass sentence. We were
about to put it to the vote, when Harold
appeared on the scene ; his red face, round eyes,
and mysterious demeanour, hinting at awful
portents. Speechless he stood a space : then,
3 33



THE GOLDEN AGE

slowly drawing his hand from the pocket of his
knickerbockers, he displayed on a dirty palm
one — two — three — four half-crowns ! We
could but gaze — tranced, breathless, mute.
Never had any of us seen, in the aggregate, so
much bullion before. Then Harold told his tale.
