I had also arranged for an accountant to go over the books. He was a Scotchman, named Jock McTavish, and he was to come the next morning.
Betty urged me to have him install a proper accounting system for me while he was on the job. I shook my head and said:
"There may not be anything worth putting an accounting system in for. I've ruined my life and I've spoiled my chances of your—"
She put her hand over my mouth and said:
"Don't be silly! Now is the time to see if you have any manhood in you. Anybody can talk big when everything goes right! No one ever made a success without having some failure. Don't you remember what Lord Beaconsfield said, when he was asked how he attained success?"
I shook my head gloomily.
"He said, 'By using my failures as stepping stones to success!'"
"Well," said I, "I've certainly one big stepping stone here."
"Quite right," said she, "then step up it like a man!"
A girl like Betty, I thought, was worth bucking up for! I just set my teeth and decided I would pull through the thing somehow!