I don't suppose his holdings are large, but I am quite sure that one or two of those Australian gold mines are dicky, and you know he was an enormous holder of Chartereds, and wouldn't sell, worse luck! Of course I'm not afraid of his losing in the long run, but it isn't exactly a dignified thing to be associated with these concerns that aren't exactly A1.

His name might lead people into speculations who couldn't altogether afford it." "I know nothing whatever of these matters," I answered, "but from what I have seen of your father I should imagine that he is remarkably able to guard his own interests." Blenavon nodded.
"I suppose that is true," he admitted.

"But when he is already a rich man, with very simple tastes, I am rather surprised that he should care to meddle with such things." "Playing at commerce," I remarked, "has become rather a hobby with men of leisure lately." "And women, too," Blenavon assented.

"Rather an ugly hobby, I call it." A servant entered and addressed Blenavon.

"The carriage is at the door, your Lordship," he announced.
Blenavon glanced at his watch and rose.
"I shall have to ask you to excuse me, Ducaine," he said.