I didn't know I had been dreaming. That is, for a while now I hadn't been allowing myself to know it. But now - oh, dear! I remembered that I was deep in debt. I had not a cent in the world, and a lovely girl's happiness or sadness in my hands. There was nothing in front of me but a salary which I might never get! Oh, I was ruined past hope! Nothing could save me!

As I thought this, Hastings said 'Henry, the mere left-over bits of your daily income would- '

'Oh, my daily income! Here, drink down 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, 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'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?'