“Merely to live on,” I replied; “it is very difficult to live in this town without money.”
“How much money did you bring with you to town?” demanded the publisher.
“Some twenty or thirty pounds,” I replied.
“And you have spent it already?”
“No,” said I, “not entirely; but it is fast disappearing.”
“Sir,” said the publisher, “I believe you to be extravagant; yes, sir, extravagant!”
“On what grounds do you suppose me to be so?”
“Sir,” said the publisher, “you eat meat.”
“Yes,” said I, “I eat meat sometimes; what should I eat?”
“Bread, sir,” said the publisher; “bread and cheese.”