“You have, gov’nor?—Yes so you have.”

“Take—take it, my boy.”

“But where did you get it, gov’nor?”

“Well—er—never mind that, Tom. I—er—I borrowed it; but I shall pay it again some day.”

“But, gov’nor—”

“Take the money, Tom, my boy. You need not mind, and if I can get away to-night I should like to dine with you.”

“Then you shall, old fellow; I’ll manage that.”

“But her ladyship?”

“Leave it to me, gov’nor.”

“And about Charley Melton, Tom, my boy—is there any hope?”