"He is in the last stage of poverty and misery."
"Because it serves him right." The draper once more stepped forward, while the rest of the family murmured assent.
"Outside," said John, "it is raining, with a cold wind; he has no great-coat,—nothing but a thin jacket; the soles of his boots are parting——"
"Help him? He's always been a disgrace to the family," said the pew-opener.
"You ask me, however, to help you, and you offer no reference as to character."
"Reference? What reference do you want?" asked the Board school teacher. "Haven't I got a responsible situation? Isn't mother in a responsible situation? Mr. Haveril, I wouldn't talk about this poor ragamuffin, if I were you. It's beneath you. Give him a great-coat yourself, and in ten minutes it will be five shillings, and in an hour it will be drunk. Help him? I wouldn't help Cousin Alfred if I had hundreds—nor Cousin Charles if I had millions."
"You wouldn't," said the bankrupt, "if it was an angel from heaven; you'd see him starve first."
"Some of us, my dear sir," the draper explained sadly, "have to draw the line at disgrace. Character, in business, goes a long way. Bankruptcy brings disgrace even upon those members of the family who are otherwise regarded with respect."
"You think it is a mistake to give money?"