Such lavish expenditure as his
would empty the coffers of a nation. His folly has melted every stone of
your precious Castle in the cup of pleasure, and has poured out the
costly draught at the feet of his friends and parasites. Friends? He has
never had any--leeches, perhaps, who have sucked him dry of all his
possessions, and then deserted him."
"Speak for yourself, you cur." cried Shelton, "since it is you, and your
dishonest management of his estates, that have brought him to this
pass."
Jasper smiled sardonically.
"Say rather that it is I who have constantly warned him against every
fresh extravagance, knowing full well what must happen. Ask him
yourself, if you doubt my word; ask him whether I have not implored him,
time and time again, to relinquish at least some of his many ruinous
pleasures and follies; to deny himself at least one expenditure."
Adrien turned his dark eyes to his father's stern face.
"Sir," he said gently, "I really do not see why this scene should
continue. If any explanations are necessary, Mr. Vermont shall give them
to me."
Vermont turned away with a scornful laugh, but Shelton grasped his arm.
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