Explore "A Secret Service" by Fred M. White on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Baroness Ruperra had spoken no more than the truth in stating that Heathcote made an ostensible living by dealing in the fine arts quite in a gentlemanly way. He was a man of distinguished family, as poor as it was proud, so that he was brought up to do nothing and rub along as best he could on a small allowance, rarely, if ever, paid.
He maintained a set of expensive chambers in town, was exceedingly well dressed, and mixed with the best people. As a bachelor, who was also a good shot and dancer, he was a welcome guest at most country houses and exclusive dinner parties in town. But if meals, with the exception of breakfast, which he seldom touched, cost him nothing, rent and taxis, railway fares, clothes, and cigars have to be paid for, and there were times when ready cash was absolutely essential.