“All gone!” he remarked. “There was something I couldn't find. Suppose I burned it, though I don't remember.”
“There's nothing left,” said Festing, who felt guilty. “Why did you destroy the things?”
Charnock sat down and awkwardly lighted his pipe. “Wanted to begin again with what they call a clean slate. Besides, the stove's the best place for bills that bother you.”
“You can't get rid of the debts by burning the bills.”
“That's true,” said Charnock with a grin. “Unfortunately obvious, in fact! However, I cut up my account book.”
“I don't see how that would help.”
“My creditors can now amuse themselves by finding out how I stand.”
Festing frowned impatiently. “A rather childish trick! It doesn't strike me as humorous.”
“You're a disgustingly serious fellow,” Charnock rejoined. “But you might be a bit sympathetic, because I've had a nasty knock. My creditors have come down on me, and I'm going to be married.”
Festing smiled. He had some sense of humor, and Charnock's manner seemed to indicate that he felt he was confronted with two misfortunes.