I had been dreaming without knowing it. In fact I had been dreaming for a while now, but I hadn't allowed myself to know it. But now - oh, dear! I remembered that I owed a lot of money. I had not a cent in the world, and a lovely girl's happiness or sadness depended on me. There was nothing in my future but a salary which I might never get! Oh, I was ruined past hope! Nothing could save me!

As I thought these things, Hastings said 'Henry, just the left-over bits of your daily income would- '

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

'Not a bite for me; I'm not hungry. 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, tell 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'm afraid I did not hear a word of it.'

'Henry, this is a serious thing. It troubles me. What did you have to drink at the ambassador's?'