For already her ladyship was closeted with Rotherby in her boudoir.
The viscount was dressed for travelling, intent upon withdrawing to the country, for he was well-informed already of the feeling of the town concerning him, and had no mind to brave the slights and cold-shoulderings that would await him did he penetrate to any of the haunts of people of quality and fashion.

He stood before his mother now, a tall, lank figure, his black face very gloomy, his sensual lips thrust forward in a sullen pout.

She, in a gilt arm-chair before her toilet-table, was telling him the story of what had passed, his father's fear of ruin and disgrace.

He swore between his teeth when he heard that the danger threatened from the Duke of Wharton.
"And your father's destitution means our destitution--yours and mine; for his gambling schemes have consumed my portion long since." He laughed and shrugged.

"I marvel I should concern myself," said he.
"What can it avail me to save the rags that are left him of his fortune?
He's sworn I shall never touch a penny that he may die possessed of." "But there's the entail," she reminded him.