Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

"I spent five years building up the Welfare Association," Danny said. "It was a mighty big success. We paid out hundreds of pounds every week in benefits and took in thousands in subscriptions. But what were we to do with the surplus?"

Solly said: "I assume you put it aside against the possibility of a bad year."

"And where do you think we put it?"

"In a bank, I trust."

"In the City of Glasgow Bank, to be exact."

"Oh, dear," said Solly.

Maisie said: "I don't understand."

Solly explained: "The City of Glasgow Bank went bankrupt."

"Oh, no!" Maisie cried. It made her want to weep.

Danny nodded. "All those shillings paid in by hardworking men--lost by fools in top hats. And you wonder why they talk about revolution." He sighed. "I've been trying to rescue the Association since it happened, but the task was hopeless, and I've given up."

Kingo said abruptly: "Mr. Robinson, I am sorry for you and your members. Will you take some refreshment? You must have walked seven miles if you came from the railway station."

"I will, and thank you."

Maisie said: "I'll take Danny indoors, and leave you to finish your walk." She felt her brother was wounded, and she wanted to get him alone and do what she could to ease his pain.

The others obviously felt the tragedy too. Kingo said: "Will you stop for the night, Mr. Robinson?"

Maisie winced. Kingo was being too generous. It was easy enough to be civil to Danny for a few minutes out here in the park, but if he stayed overnight Kingo and his lotus-eating friends would soon get fed up with Danny's coarse clothes and working-class concerns, then they would snub him and he would be hurt.

But Danny said: "I have to be back in London tonight. I just came to spend a few hours with my sister."

Kingo said: "In that case allow me to have you driven to the station in my carriage, whenever you're ready."

"That's real kind of you."

Maisie took her brother's arm. "Come with me and I'll get you some lunch."

After Danny left for London, Maisie joined Solly for an afternoon nap.

Solly lay on the bed in a red silk bathrobe and watched her undress. "I can't rescue Dan's Welfare Association," he said. "Even if it made financial sense to me--which it doesn't--I couldn't persuade the other partners."