I didn't know I had been dreaming - that is, I hadn't been allowing myself to know it for a while. But now - oh, dear! Deep in debt, not a cent in the world, a lovely girl's happiness or woe in my hands, and nothing in front of me but a salary which might never - oh, would never - materialize! Oh, I am ruined past hope! Nothing can save me!

'Henry, the mere unconsidered drippings of your daily income would-'

'Oh, my daily income! Here, down with this Scotch, and cheer up your soul. Here's with you! Or, no - you're hungry; sit down and-'

'Not a bite for me; I'm past it. I can't eat, these days; but I'll drink with you till I drop. Come!'

'I'm with you! Ready? Here we go! Now, then, Lloyd, unreel your story while I prepare the drinks'.

'Why, I mean do you want to hear it over again? Henry, you alarm me. Didn't I tell you the whole story on the way here?'

'I'll be hanged if I heard a word of it.'

'Henry, this is a serious thing. It troubles me. What did you take up yonder at the ambassador's?'