"Any one could see that with half-an-eye; I shouldn't be surprised to learn that you're one of those who've been used to spend as much as five pounds a week."
"I'm afraid I am.
"Then of course there's excuses. We can't get out of ways like that with a hop, skip and a jump; it's not to be expected. But haven't you got any friends who'd help you?"
"I haven't a friend to whom I can apply for help."
"I should have thought you were the kind who'd have had lots of friends. Have you fell out with them?"
"I thought my father was a rich man; but when he died--it was only a very little while ago--it appeared that he wasn't; so I have to make my own way in the world, and that is how I came to Swan Street."
"I know them fathers; I had one of my own, and he wasn't of any account; though I will say this, I always liked him."
"I have been trying to find something by means of which I could earn enough money to keep me. I hoped to have found it before now, but I haven't, and that's the trouble."
"What sort of work have you been looking for?"
"I've been endeavouring to get a post as secretary, among other things, and I've answered no end of advertisements, but nothing has come of one of them."