Anthony Hope

“ That look is familiar to me.
"My aunt is dead," said I, proudly. "And she left me——"
"But it won't be more than two or three thousand," pursued Lady Amy, sadly.
"Not a bit more," said I. (It was two or three hundred really.)
"Still it would just help," said Lady Amy; and she bowed most graciously to Stevenage.
Matters standing thus, I thought I would do it after all. It would relieve my feelings (for she was looking atrociously pretty) ; it might also be healthy for Lady Amy.
"One mustn't think of money," said I.
"Of course, one oughtn't to think too much of it," agreed Lady Amy. ”

“ Suddenly Stevenage observed:
"Thought Lady Amy looking well to-night, didn't you?"
"Deuced," said I, licking the stump of my cigar.
"I say, who's that chap Brampton?"
"Oh, he's got a pile," said I.
Stevenage stopped short in the middle of the pavement.
"Hang the fellow!" said he—and walked on again.
"He's just as good a fellow as most," said I.
"Oh, it's all very well for you," he broke out. "Look here, Vansittart, you're a good sort. I don't mind telling you. I wish I wasn't so confoundedly poor."
I took Lord Stevenage's arm. I felt very friendly towards him. ”

“ I pressed his arm sympathetically.
"And I tell you what, Van, I believe that if it wasn't for the beastly money, Lady Amy would have——"
"Upon my word," I cried suddenly. "I believe she would!"
"You noticed something in her manner?" he said, eagerly.
"Rather—a lot," said I.
"Isn't it infernal?" he asked.
"It's as infernal as they make it," I agreed.
It happened that at this point we came opposite my club. I took Stevenage in and we had some brandy and soda-water. Stevenage drank his at a gulp, and observed:
"The poor girl daren't do as she likes, you see." ”