And now his honourable friend twitted him with being a mere clerk! No, he was not, never had been, never would be such.

Had he not already, in five or six short years, distanced his competitors, and made himself the favourite and friend of men infinitely above him in station?
Was he not now here in Tavistock on a mission which proved that he was no mere clerk?
Was not the fact of his drinking bishop in the familiar society of a lord's son, and an ex-M.P., a proof of it?
It would be calumny on him to say that he had allowed Scott to make him tipsy on this occasion.

He was far from being tipsy; but yet the mixture which he had been drinking had told upon his brain.
'But, Undy,' said he--he had never before called his honourable friend by his Christian name--'but, Undy, if I take these shares, where am I to get the money to pay for them?
'The chances are you may part with them before you leave Tavistock.

If so, you will not have to pay for them.

You will only have to pocket the difference.' 'Or pay the loss.' 'Or pay the loss.