"Allow me a friend's freedom, Aubrey, and let me repeat my question; are your family provided for?"
"I will be frank, Lord C----," replied Mr. Aubrey, with a strong effort to preserve his composure. "The little provision which had been made for them, is lost, with Yatton; but for them--my wife, my children, my sister--I could have submitted to this misfortune with unshrinking fortitude; but they are, alas, involved in my ruin! My wife had nothing when I married her; and of course the settlements I made on her were out of the Yatton property; as also was the little income left my sister by my father. With Yatton all is gone--that is the plain fact; and there is no disguising it."
"The Duke of ----, I, and two or three other of your friends, were talking about these matters last night; we wish we could serve you. What is the sort of foreign service you would prefer, Aubrey?"
"_Foreign_ service?" echoed Mr. Aubrey, significantly.
"Yes; an entire change of scene would be highly serviceable in diverting your thoughts from the distressing subjects which here occupy them, and must continue to occupy them for some time to come. Can there be a doubt of it?"
"It is very kindly meant, Lord C----; but do you really think I can for a single moment entertain the idea of quitting the country to escape from pecuniary liability?"
"That's the point, exactly; I decidedly think you ought to do so; that you _must_," replied Lord C----, in a matter-of-fact manner.
"Nothing upon earth shall induce me to do so," replied Mr. Aubrey, firmly. "The bare idea shocks me. It would be the meanest, most unprincipled conduct--it would reflect disgrace on the king's service."
"Poh--this is mere eccentricity--knight-errantry; I'm sure that when you are in a calmer mood you will think differently. Upon my honor, I never heard of such absurdity as yours, in my life. Are you to stay at home, to have your hands tied behind your back, and be thrust into prison--to court destruction for yourself and your family?" Mr. Aubrey turned aside his head, and remained silent.
"I must plead in favor of Mrs. Aubrey--your children--your sweet lovely sister;--good God! it's quite shocking to think of what you are bringing them to."