"You mean the sum I promised you on my wedding-day?"
Francis nodded, with a rather confused look upon his face.
"My wedding-day has not occurred yet," said Oliver, lightly. "Upon my word, I doubt whether it ever will occur. Don't alarm yourself, Francis. I shall get the money for you before long—I've not forgotten it."
"I want it now. Two thousand pounds," said Francis, thickly.
"Are you drunk, man! Do you think I carry two thousand pounds about with me in my pocket? Go home—I'll see you again when you are sober."
"I have touched nothing but water to-day," said his brother. "I swear it—so help me, God! I know what I'm about. And I know you. I know you for the vilest cheat and trickster that ever walked the earth. I've been in hospital—I don't know how long. I know that you would cheat me if you could. You were to pay me within six months—and it's over six months now."
"I tell you I'm not married. I was to pay you on my wedding-day."
"You were to pay me within six months. Have you opened a bank account for me and paid in the two thousand pounds?"
"Are you mad, Francis?"
"Mad?—I may well be mad after all you have made me suffer. I tell you I want money—money—money—I want two thousand pounds."