Alas, he had passed his limit long since; and already it was so far behind him that he dared not look back--dared no longer even look forward.
Meanwhile the Ruthvens were living almost lavishly, and keeping four more horses; but Eileen Erroll's bank balance had now dwindled to three figures; and Gerald had not only acted offensively toward Selwyn, but had quarrelled so violently with Austin that the latter, thoroughly incensed and disgusted, threatened to forbid him the house.
"The little fool!" he said to Selwyn, "came here last night, stinking of wine, and attempted to lay down the law to me!--tried to dragoon me into a compromise with him over the investments I have made for him.

By God, Phil, he shall not control one cent until the trust conditions are fulfilled, though it was left to my discretion, too.

And I told him so flatly; I told him he wasn't fit to be trusted with the coupons of a repudiated South American bond--" "Hold on, Austin.

That isn't the way to tackle a boy like that!" "Isn't it?
Well, why not?
Do you expect me to dicker with him ?" "No; but, Austin, you've always been a little brusque with him.

Don't you think--" "No, I don't.