Arthur coloured, and threw a book over it.
"I am sorry I saw it," Paul went on; "but it was there to be seen, wasn't it?"
"Oh, yes! that's all right! I oughtn't to have left it about, that's all. I'm not exactly a Crœsus, like you, you know, Paul, and now and then I'm obliged to raise the wind somehow. Yes! I know what you're going to say. My allowance is a good one, and I ought to make it do. But, you see, sometimes I can't."
"I hope you won't mind my asking, Arthur, but is that an acceptance of your own?"
Arthur nodded. "There are a few accounts which I must pay," he said. "So I'm going to ask Plimsoll to do it for me. He's a decent fellow of his sort, you know! Lots of fellows go to him!"
Paul stretched out his hand. "Give it to me," he said, "and I will discount it for you. Thanks!"
Paul took it, and, just glancing at the amount, threw it into the fire. "I haven't my cheque book here," he said, "but we will call at the bank on our way to the club, and I can get the money. I'm glad I saw it!"
"It's awfully good of you," Arthur said hesitatingly. "I shouldn't have thought of asking you. I must owe you an awful lot already."
"Never mind what you owe me! I'll write it all off, Arthur, and this last amount too, if you'll do me a favour. Come down home with me next week, as soon as you can get leave."