What is to be done?
I have sold you all the valuable land, and I am glad to think that you have made a very good thing of it.

Some years ago, also, you took over the two heaviest mortgages on the Abbey estate, and I am sorry to say that the interest is considerably in arrear.

There remain the floating debts and other charges, amounting in all to about 7,000 pounds, which I have no means of meeting, and meanwhile, of course, the place must be kept up.

Under these circumstances, John, I ask you as a business man, what is to be done ?" "And, as a business man, I say I'm hanged if I know," said Porson, with unwonted energy.

"All debts, no assets--the position is impossible.
Unless, indeed, something happens." "Quite so.