The million pound banknote

About the tenth day of my fame I went to fulfil my duty to my flag by paying my respects to the American ambassador. He received me with the enthusiasm proper in my case, upbraided me for being so tardy in my duty, and said that there was only one way to get his forgiveness. That was to take the seat at his dinner-party that night made vacant by the illness of one of his guests. I said I would, and we got to talking. It turned out that he and my father had been schoolmates in boyhood, Yale students together later, and always warm friends up to my father's death.

So then he required me to visit him at his house at any time I might have to spare, and I was very willing, of course. In fact, I was more than willing; I was glad. When the crash should come, he might somehow be able to save me from total destruction; I didn't know how, but he might think of a way, maybe. I didn't dare to unburden myself to him at this late date, a thing which I would have been quick to do in the beginning of this awful career of mine in London.

No, I couldn't venture it now; I was in too deep; that is, too deep for me to be risking revelations to so new a friend, though not completely out of my depth as I looked at it. Because, you see, with all my borrowing, I was carefully keeping within my means - I mean within my salary. Of course, I couldn't know what my salary was going to be. However I had a good enough basis for an estimate in the fact that if I won the bet I was to have the choice of any situation in that rich old gentleman's gift; provided I was competent - and I should certainly prove competent; I hadn't any doubt about that.

Vocabulary:

Paying my respects: Making a formal visit
Upbraid: Tell off, complain
Tardy: Late and slow
Unburden: Share something that is bothering one
Venture: Try something risky
Revelations: Showing something hidden
Out of my depth: In something past understanding or control
Competent: Able to do something without difficulty.