"Do you know wot you've done? You've compromised me. You've
compromised the honour and the reputation of my 'Ouse. And you've done
it for a woman. You can't 'ide it; you're a perfect fool where women
are concerned."
"If anybody's compromised, I think it's me. I pledged my word."
"And wot business had you to pledge it?"
"Oh, I thought it safe. I didn't think you'd dishonour my draft on
your reputation."
"Draft indeed! That's it. You might just as well 'ave taken my
cheque-book out of the drawer there and forged my signature at the
bottom. Why, it's moral forgery--that's wot it is. I can see it all.
You thought you were acting very generous and grand with this young
lady. I say you were mean. You did it on the cheap. You'd no expense,
or risk, or responsibility at all. I know you can't see it that way,
but that's 'ow it is."
Keith did not defend himself against this view of his conduct, and
Isaac preserved his attitude of moral superiority.
"I'm not blaming you, my boy. It's my own fault. I shouldn't 'ave sent
you out like that, _with_ cart blansh, so to speak, and without it. I
should 'ave given you some responsibility."
"Oh, thanks, I couldn't very well have done with more than I had."
"Ah--you don't know the kind of responsibility I mean. You seem very
ready to play fast and loose with my business. I daresay, now, you
think since you 'aven't much to lose, you 'aven't much to gain?"
"Well, frankly, I can't see that I have--much.
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