I believe someone may have told you a wrong thing about my father. His business failed, it is true. It was no fault of his own: a large firm called Overend & Gurney went bankrupt for five millions of pounds, and many of their creditors were destroyed. He took his own life the same day. But he never gambled; and nor do I.
If you explain this to the noble earl your father, I believe all will be well.
Fondly yours,
Hugh.
*
Stalworthy Manor
Stalworthy
Buckinghamshire
June 11th, 1873
Hugh,
Writing falsehoods to me will do no good. I now know for sure that my parents' advice to me is right, and I must forget you.
Florence.
*
Whitehaven House
Kensington Gore
London, S.W.
June 12th, 1873
Dear Florence,
You must believe me! It is possible that I have not been told the truth about my father--although I cannot in all sincerity doubt my mother's word--but in my own case I know the truth! When I was fourteen years old I put a shilling on the Derby and lost it, and since then I have never seen the point of gambling. When I see you I will swear an oath.
In hope--
Hugh.
*
Foljambe & Merriwether, Solicitors
Gray's Inn
London, W.C.
June 13th, 1873
To Hugh Pilaster, Esq.
Sir:
We are instructed by our client, the earl of Stalworthy, to require you to desist from communication with his daughter.
Please be informed that the noble earl will take any and all necessary steps, including a High Court injunction, to enforce his will in this matter, unless you refrain immediately.
For Messrs. Foljambe & Merriwether,
Albert C. Merriwether.
*
Hugh--
She showed your last letter to my aunt, her mother. They have taken her to Paris until the end of the London Season, and then they go to Yorkshire. It is no good--she no longer cares for you. Sorry--
Jane.
Section 2
THE ARGYLL ROOMS were the most popular place of entertainment in London, but Hugh had never been there. It would never have occurred to Hugh to visit such a place: although not actually a brothel, it had a low reputation. However, a few days after Florence Stalworthy finally rejected him, Edward casually invited him to join him and Micky for an evening's debauchery, and he accepted.
