But at this Alfred looked grave as well as surprised and vexed.
He was on his guard now, and asked himself seriously what was the meaning
of all this, and could his father have been so mad as to talk over his
own shame with this stranger: he made no reply whatever.
Dr. Wycherley's curiosity was not of a very ardent kind: for he was one
of those who first form an opinion, and then collect the materials of
one: and a very little fact goes a long way with such minds. So, when he
got no answer about the nocturnal visions and voices, he glided calmly on
to another matter. "By-the-bye, that L. 14,000!"
Alfred started, and then eyed him keenly: "What L. 14,000?"
"The fabulous sum you labour under the impression of your father having
been guilty of clandestinely appropriating."
This was too much for Alfred's patience. "I don't know who you are, sir,"
said he; "I never exchanged but three words in my life with you; and do
you suppose I will talk to a stranger on family matters of so delicate a
kind as this? I begin to think you have intruded yourself on me simply to
gratify an impertinent curiosity.
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