Then, while he was still afflicted with a heaviness of spirits which had never left him since that fatal day, who but Ferdinand Lopez should walk into his office, wearing the gayest smile and with a hat splendid as hats are splendid only in the city.

And nothing could be more "jolly" than his friend's manner,--so much so that Sexty was almost lifted up into temporary jollity himself.
Lopez, seating himself, almost at once began to describe a certain speculation into which he was going rather deeply, and as to which he invited his friend Parker's co-operation.

He was intending, evidently, not to ask, but to confer, a favour.
"I rather think that steady business is best," said Parker.

"I hope it's all right about that L750." "Ah; yes;--I meant to have told you.

I didn't want the money, as it turned out, for much above a fortnight, and as there was no use in letting the bill run out, I settled it." So saying he took out a pocket-book, extracted the bill, and showed it to Sexty.