He had realized nothing; he had not yet been able to pay back the money which he had so fraudulently taken, and to acquit himself of a debt which now lay daily heavier and heavier on his soul.

He felt that he must repay not only that but Undy's share also, before he could again pass a happy day or a quiet night.

This plan of throwing up L1,200 a year would badly assist him in getting rid of this incubus.
But still that watchword of his goaded him on--'Excelsior!' he still said to himself; 'Excelsior!' If he halted now, now when the ball was at his foot, he might never have another chance.
Very early in life before a beard was on his chin, before he could style himself a man according to the laws of his country, he had determined within himself that a seat in Parliament was the only fitting ambition for an Englishman.

That was now within his reach.

Would he be such a dastard as to draw back his hand, and be deterred from taking it, by old women's tales of prudence, and the self-interested lectures of Sir Gregory Hardlines?
'Excelsior!' There was not much that could be so styled in that debt of his to M.and Madame Jaquetanape.