The father took out his letters, and, selecting one, handed it to his son who read it, shivered, and returned it.
"What have you to say to it?" asked the father.
"Nothing. It is only for three hundred pounds."
"A bill, due to-day, which I did not sign."
"It was done for all our sakes, to save the honour of the family name. I was in a hole and there was no other way of getting out of it."
"The bill must be taken up before twelve o'clock."
"Will it be?"
"It will, for your mother's sake."
"Then there is nothing more to be said. I am very sorry, but it could not be helped. I promise that it shall never occur again. I'll take my oath of it if you like."
"I take neither your word nor your oath. You are a scoundrel."