“He feared God and loved his king—rest his memory! He had one other love—his only child; but him he was troubled for.”
“Troubled for? But why should I ask?”
“The boy was of high spirit, reckless, generous. He wore, even at that age, his heart on his sleeve for daws to peck at.”
“They have left all threadbare. Well, well!”
“Sir Robert’s was not a great fortune; but it was sufficient, with management, for his wants.”
“They were fewer than mine, good man. I feel sure, sir, this retrospect is for a worthy purpose. Otherwise—well, it is obvious I was acquainted with the extent of my own inheritance.”
“I ask no account of your stewardship. That is no part of the solemn commission I accepted from my friend. Maybe you have been more sinned against than sinning. Yet, is it not true that your father’s apprehensions were justified?”
“Why else was I in the wherry?”
“You are ruined?”
“I am ruined.”