Well, to say 'in a moment' is an exaggeration perhaps; but that everything was over in just twenty-four hours is an exact statement.

Fyne was able to tell me all about it; and the phrase that would depict the nature of the change best is: an instant and complete destitution.

I don't understand these matters very well, but from Fyne's narrative it seemed as if the creditors or the depositors, or the competent authorities, had got hold in the twinkling of an eye of everything de Barral possessed in the world, down to his watch and chain, the money in his trousers' pocket, his spare suits of clothes, and I suppose the cameo pin out of his black satin cravat.
Everything! I believe he gave up the very wedding ring of his late wife.
The gloomy Priory with its damp park and a couple of farms had been made over to Mrs.de Barral; but when she died (without making a will) it reverted to him, I imagine.

They got that of course; but it was a mere crumb in a Sahara of starvation, a drop in the thirsty ocean.

I dare say that not a single soul in the world got the comfort of as much as a recovered threepenny bit out of the estate.