"I fancy he has. A few."
"A 'few'—and you 'fancy!' George, tell me the truth. That you know he has, and that they are not a few."
"That he has, I believe to be true: I gathered as much from Ferrars. But I do not think they are serious; I do not indeed."
"Why did you not inquire? I would have gone to every shop in the town, in order to ascertain. If he is contracting more debts, who is to pay them?"
George was silent.
"When shall we be clear of Chattaway?" she abruptly resumed. "When will the last payment be due?"
"In a month or two's time. Principal and interest will all be paid off then."
"It will take all your efforts to make up the sum."
"It will be ready, mother. It shall be."
"I don't doubt it. But it will not be ready, George, if a portion is to be taken from it for Treve."