He had not the moral courage to face the natural consequences of his past misconduct, and was now ashamed to speak of what he had not then been ashamed to do.

He told Graham and Wildney, who were the best of his old associates, and they at once agreed that _they_ ought to be responsible for at least a share of the debt.

Still, between them they could only muster three pounds out of the six which were required, and the week had half elapsed before there seemed any prospect of extrication from the difficulty; so Eric daily grew more miserable and dejected.
A happy thought struck him.

He would go and explain the source of his trouble to Mr.Rose, his oldest, his kindest, his wisest friend.

To him he could speak without scruple and without reserve, and from him he knew that he would receive nothing but the noblest advice and the warmest sympathy.
He went to him after prayers that night, and told his story.
"Ah, Eric, Eric!" said Mr.Rose; "you see, my boy, that sin and punishment are twins." "O but, sir, I was just striving so hard to amend, and it seems cruel that I should receive at once so sad a check." "There is only one way that I see, Eric.