“Have you got the paper?” asked Tom.
“Not with me. But don’t look at the papers about it.”
“Why not?”
“Because there are some very unjust things said about your father. Of course we all know quite well that he had nothing to do with the management of the company.”
“What an infernal slander!” said Tom, hotly. “And do you mean you think I have nothing—literally nothing?”
“It is possible it may mean that.”
“What is to happen to the bills I haven’t paid?” demanded Tom.
“You have a profession,” said Mr. Markham. “Ted told me Wallingthorpe’s opinion of your work.”
“Ah, those horrors!” said Tom, impatiently. “I shall not earn a penny by those.”
“But you say you have unpaid bills?”