'I know, I know; that's why I want you. I didn't tell you the exact truth last night, Esther, but I must really earn some money soon. All that two thousand is used up, and I only get along by squeezing some money out of the old man every now and again. Don't frown; he got a rise of screw three years ago, and can well afford it. Now, that's what I said to myself last night: if I were engaged, it would be an incentive to earning something.'
'For a Jewish young man you are fearfully unpractical,' said Esther, with a forced smile. 'Fancy proposing to a girl without even prospects of prospects.'
'Oh, but I have got prospects. I tell you I shall make no end of money on the stage.'
'Or no beginning,' she said, finding the facetious vein easiest.
'No fear. I know I've got as much talent as Bob Andrews (he admits it himself) and he draws his thirty quid a week.'
'Wasn't that the man who appeared at the police-court the other day for being drunk and disorderly?'
'Y-e-es,' admitted Leonard, a little disconcerted. 'He is a very good fellow, but he loses his head when he's in liquor.'
'I wonder you can care for society of that sort,' said Esther.
'Perhaps you're right. They're not a very refined lot. I tell you what, I'd like to go on the stage, but I'm not mad on it, and if you only say the word I'll give it up. There! And I'll go on with my law studies, honour bright I will!'
'I should, if I were you,' she said.