The receipt of the information which he offers will be
acknowledged by a reward of--' What sum of money do you wish me to set
down, sir?"
"Set down nothing," said Noel Vanstone, with a sudden outbreak of
impatience. "Money matters are my business--I say money matters are my
business, Lecount. Leave it to me."
"Certainly, sir," replied Mrs. Lecount, handing her master the
blotting-book. "You will not forget to be liberal in offering money when
you know beforehand you don't mean to part with it?"
"Don't dictate, Lecount! I won't submit to dictation!" said Noel
Vanstone, asserting his own independence more and more impatiently. "I
mean to conduct this business for myself. I am master, Lecount!"
"You are master, sir."
"My father was master before me. And I am my father's son. I tell you,
Lecount, I am my father's son!"
Mrs. Lecount bowed submissively.
"I mean to set down any sum of money I think right," pursued Noel
Vanstone, nodding his little flaxen head vehemently. "I mean to send
this advertisement myself. The servant shall take it to the stationer's
to be put into the _Times_. When I ring the bell twice, send the
servant. You understand, Lecount? Send the servant.
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