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When a man has worked as I have done, he gets about tired at my age. I suppose I'd better be down at the committee-room about ten to-morrow? 'That's the best, I should say. 'You'll be there by that time? Miles Grendall assented slowly, and with imperfect assent. 'And tell your father he might as well be there as early as convenient. 'All right, said Miles as he took his departure.
The Grendalls had left him since the day of the dinner, Miles having sent him a letter up from the country complaining of severe illness. It was a comfort to him to have someone to whom he could speak, and he much preferred Nidderdale to Miles Grendall. This conversation took place in the smoking-room. When it was over Melmotte went into the House, and Nidderdale strolled away to the Beargarden.
'Dummy, suggested Dolly. 'I don't think I'll play to-night, old fellow. I hate three fellows sticking down together. Miles sat silent, smoking his pipe, conscious of the baronet's dislike to play with him. 'By-the-by, Grendall look here. And Sir Felix in his most friendly tone whispered into his enemy's ear a petition that some of the I.O.U.'s might be converted into cash.
'I don't say that at all, old fellow. I know very well that you're all right. You're not like that fellow, Miles Grendall. 'Well; no. Poor Miles has got nothing to bless himself with. I suppose I could get it, and so I ought to pay. 'That's no excuse for Grendall, said Sir Felix, shaking his head. 'A chap can't pay if he hasn't got it, Carbury. A chap ought to pay of course.
'I suppose I'd better send you a bill over to America, said Miles Grendall, who had taken no part in the matter as long as he was in the same boat with the lords. 'Just so. My partner, Montague, will tell you the address. Then bustling off, taking an affectionate adieu of Paul, shaking hands with them all round, and looking as though he cared nothing for the money, he took his leave.
Can't you understand, now, how important it may be? 'It's always important to have a lot of money. I know that. 'I shouldn't have gone in for this kind of thing if I hadn't thought I was sure. You know how much you owe me, don't you? 'Not in the least. 'It's about eleven hundred pounds! 'I shouldn't wonder. 'And Miles Grendall owes me two thousand.
There was an office just behind the Exchange, with two or three clerks and a secretary, the latter position being held by Miles Grendall, Esq.
And Miles Grendall got back an I.O.U. of considerable nominal value from Lord Grasslough, who was anxious to accommodate two country cousins who were in London. Gradually the prices fell; not at first from any doubt in Melmotte, but through that customary reaction which may be expected on such occasions. But at eight or nine o'clock on the evening of the party the tickets were worth nothing.
Miles Grendall had the command of the stairs, and found that he had plenty to do in keeping people in their right courses. Mr Longestaffe reached Abchurch Lane before one, having altogether failed in getting a moment's private conversation with the big man on that other Friday, when he had come later.
'What do you get then, by going into the city? asked Sir Felix. 'I'm blessed if I know what I get. I suppose something will turn up some day. 'In the meantime, you know, there are our names. And Grendall is making a fortune out of it. 'Poor old duffer, said his lordship. 'If he's doing so well, I think Miles ought to be made to pay up something of what he owes.
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