The Squire’s face indicated immense relief.
“Pass the wine, sir. If you think you’ll need stiffening after your story, I shall do well to fortify myself before.”
He poured out a bumper, and said curtly:
“Forrard! Forrard!”
“I owe five hundred pounds.”
He waited for the outburst, but none came. Lionel went on hastily. He stated his case, the nature of the debt, and how it could be met by an advance from his agents, with a written guarantee from the Squire. He finished gallantly:
“I can pay up by instalments, out of my allowance. And when I join the regiment, I am reasonably sure of being made adjutant, if I work for it. The C.O. half promised that.”
The Squire said solemnly:
“Will you give me your word of honour that your debts do not exceed the sum you mention?”
“Yes.”