Page 603 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

racing, and betting, and other amusements, concerning
which you need not too curiously inquire, have reduced its
value considerably.’
He spoke recklessly and roughly. It was evident that
success had but developed his ruffianism. His ‘dandyism’
was only comparative. The impulse of poverty and schem-
ing which led him to affect the ‘gentleman’ having been
removed, the natural brutality of his nature showed itself
quite freely. Mr. Francis Wade took a pinch of snuff with
a sharp motion of distaste. ‘I do not want to hear of your
debaucheries,’ he said; ‘our name has been sufficiently dis-
graced in my hearing.’
‘What is got over the devil’s back goes under his belly,’
replied Mr. Richard, coarsely. ‘My old father got his money
by dirtier ways than these in which I spend it. As villainous
an old scoundrel and skinflint as ever poisoned a seaman,
I’ll go bail.’
Mr. Francis rose. ‘You need not revile your father, Rich-
ard— he left you all.’
‘Ay, but by pure accident. He didn’t mean it. If he hadn’t
died in the nick of time, that unhung murderous villain,
Maurice Frere, would have come in for it. By the way,’ he
added, with a change of tone, ‘do you ever hear anything
of Maurice?’
‘I have not heard for some years,’ said Mr. Wade. ‘He is
something in the Convict Department at Sydney, I think.’
‘Is he?’ said Mr. Richard, with a shiver. ‘Hope he’ll stop
there. Well, but about business. The fact is, that—that I am
thinking of selling everything.’

0 For the Term of His Natural Life