He could then solace himself with the reflection that he had done nothing secret.
Norman, he supposed, would be displeased; but then Norman's displeasure could not injure him, and with Norman there would be no danger that the affair would go any further.
'You must think it very strange,' said he, 'that I should want such a sum; but the truth is I have bought some shares.' 'Railway shares ?' said Norman, in a tone that certainly did not signify approval.

He disliked speculation altogether, and had an old-fashioned idea that men who do speculate, should have money wherewith to do it.
'No--not railway shares exactly.' 'Canal ?' suggested Norman.
'No--not canal.' 'Gas ?' 'Mines,' said Alaric, bringing out the dread truth at last.
Harry Norman's brow grew very black.

'Not that mine that you've been down about, I hope,' said he.
'Yes--that very identical Mary Jane that I went down, and down about,' said Alaric, trying to joke on the subject.

'Don't look so very black, my dear fellow.

I know all that you have to say upon the matter.