Since then I've bought up some more shares." "You got them cheap, I suppose ?" said I.
"Yes," he replied, "I averaged them at about seventy-five cents the five-dollar share." "And what do you hold now, nominally ?" "Three hundred thousand dollars," said he shortly.
"I understand your interest in the matter.

But you, signorina ?" The signorina appeared a little embarrassed.

But at last she broke out: "I don't care if I do tell you.

When I agreed to stay here, he [we knew whom she meant] gave me one hundred thousand dollars.

And I had fifty thousand, or thereabouts, of my own that I had--" "Saved out of your salary as a prima donna," put in the colonel.
"What does it matter ?" said she, flushing; "I had it.