XV.
THE HOUSE OPPOSITE.
We were talking over the sad case of young Algy Groom; I was explaining to Mrs. Hilary exactly what had happened.
'His father gave him,' said I, 'a hundred pounds to keep him for three months in Paris while he learnt French.'
'And very liberal too,' said Mrs. Hilary.
'It depends where you dine,' said I. 'However, that question did not arise, for Algy went to the Grand Prix the day after he arrived'
'A horse race?' asked Mrs. Hilary with great contempt.
'Certainly the competitors are horses,' I rejoined. 'And there he, most unfortunately, lost the whole sum, without learning any French to speak of.'
'How disgusting!' exclaimed Mrs. Hilary, and little Miss Phyllis gasped in horror.
'Oh, well,' said Hilary, with much bravery (as it struck me), 'his father's very well off.'
'That doesn't make it a bit better,' declared his wife.
'There's no mortal sin in a little betting, my dear. Boys will be boys'
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