It must be mentioned that Ruth and her husband had just returned to London, as he was informed by letter, their honeymoon trip having come suddenly to an end in consequence of Ruth's indisposition It was she who wrote to him, and she was so earnest in the expression of her wish that he would come and see her, that he had sent her a telegram saying that he would call at eight or nine o'clock, by which time he expected to be free. He would have called earlier, but he had an appointment with Mr. Moss at six, his intention being to make to his old friend a full disclosure of his secret respecting Ruth. On the following day Rachel and Esther were coming back to London, as Rachel did not wish to remain longer in Bournemouth.
Aaron was waiting now in his study for Mr. Moss. The cares and sorrows of the past few months had left their mark upon him. The grey hairs had multiplied fast, the lines in his face had deepened, and in the kind eyes and benevolent countenance there was a touch of childlike pathos, as though the strong man had suddenly grown weak, and was mutely appealing for mercy.
Mr. Moss's face was flushed with excitement as he entered the room with an evening paper in his hand.
"Have you heard the rumour, Cohen?" he asked, excitedly.
"What rumour?" inquired Aaron, rising to meet his friend.
"About your bank, the Colonial Alliance?"
"No, I have heard nothing. I have not been out of the house since the morning."
"It came on me like a thunderclap, but it cannot be true."
"What cannot be true, Mr. Moss?" Aaron spoke quite calmly.
"Well, there's nothing definite, but you know there has been something like a panic in the City."
"I am aware of it, but it cannot affect me. I have no investments now, with the solitary exception of my bank shares. All my affairs are settled, and what is left of my fortune is in the bank until I decide how to invest it."
Mr. Moss groaned "I wish you had it safely tied up in consols. Is all your money there?"
"Every shilling. The only investments I have not realised are the shares I hold in the bank."
"That makes it all the worse. The shareholders are liable to the depositors?"
"Certainly--to the extent of the unpaid portion of their shares. Perhaps beyond that--I am not quite sure."