"What about Davy?"
"I'm afraid he's got into a pretty sour pickle."
"He's been there for four years. Though he didn't always know it.
What is the particular development now?"
"Debt, insolvency—in fact, genteel poverty."
"And worry, discontent and disillusionment at home. I've been afraid of that."
"He didn't say so."
"Davy wouldn't, of course."
"It must be pretty bad, for he wants to give up his profession and take a job. You know, Davy's liking for his work amounted almost to a mania."
"Does he have to give it up?"
"It doesn't meet their needs—at least, their requirements. And worst of all, he's got it into his head that he hasn't made good."