I have heard such stories hinted at in the records of families.
But our story means disgrace.

I seldom see strangers putting their heads together at the club without fancying they are telling each other about my grandfather, and pointing me out as the grandson and heir of a thief.' 'Why use unduly hard words ?' 'Why should I stoop to sophistication, with you, my friend.

Dishonesty is dishonesty all the world over; and to plunder Rajahs on a large scale is no less vile than to pick a pocket on Ludgate Hill.' 'Nothing was ever proved against your grandfather.' 'No, he died in the nick of time, and the inquiry was squashed, thanks to the Angersthorpe interest, and my grandmother's cleverness.

But if he had lived a few weeks longer England would have rung with the story of his profligacy and dishonour.

Some people say he committed suicide in order to escape the inquiry; but I have heard my mother emphatically deny this.