"But, my lord," said Fitz, who was nearly out of his mind, "surely you do not mean to say that you intend to be hard upon Ethel for marrying where she liked? She has not married a chimney-sweep, or run away with one of the coachmen. Bertie is the best, the most famous man in London——"
"Thank you for the information," said the earl. "I know nothing of Mr. Fairfax, and I do not wish to add to my knowledge. Be kind enough to leave the subject where it is; it is one that is extremely distasteful to me. I wished to see you on business. Here are a number of bills—they have all been contracted by you—I pass them to you for payment."
Fitz stared at them.
"My lord," he said, "I cannot pay these! You know that it is impossible!"
The earl shrugged his shoulders.
"I have nothing to do with that," he said, coldly. "You are over age, you were twenty-two last month; you are liable, I believe."
"I am liable, I know," said Fitz, in despair, "but, of course, sir, I have always looked to you."
"And, I believe some time back, in this very room, I warned you that you could no longer do so. I have my own bills to pay, and I cannot concern myself with any others. Be good enough to take them away; they litter my table."
"But," said Fitz, "I cannot pay them, and you know that I cannot. What is to be done?"
"I regret that I cannot inform you. I should advise you to pay them, or in all probability the creditors will endeavor to compel you."