One story
inexpressibly shocked her. After lunching at some restaurant, Haddo gave
a bad louis among the money with which he paid the bill, and there was a
disgraceful altercation with the waiter. He refused to change the coin
till a policeman was brought in. His guests were furious, and several
took the first opportunity to cut him dead. One of those present narrated
the scene to Susie, and she was told that Margaret laughed unconcernedly
with her neighbour while the sordid quarrel was proceeding. The man's
blood was as good as his fortune was substantial, but it seemed to please
him to behave like an adventurer. The incident was soon common property,
and gradually the Haddos found themselves cold-shouldered. The persons
with whom they mostly consorted had reputations too delicate to stand the
glare of publicity which shone upon all who were connected with him, and
the suggestion of police had thrown a shudder down many a spine. What had
happened in Rome happened here again: they suddenly disappeared.
Susie had not been in London for some time, and as the spring advanced
she remembered that her friends would be glad to see her.
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