Sometimes for a week together he abstained entirely, though during these intervals of reason he was very trying.
His remorse, his shame, his physical suffering, were so great that he needed the most patient tenderness; and yet he frequently resented this tenderness in a moody, sullen way that was a shocking contrast to his once bright and affectionate manner.
So things went on until the close of the year.

By that time the affairs of the broken firm had been thoroughly investigated, and it was found that its liabilities were nearly L20,000 above its assets.
Suddenly, however, bundle wools took an enormous rise, and as the stock of "Callendar & Leslie" was mainly of this kind, they were pushed on the market, and sold at a rate which reduced the firm's debts to about L17,000.

This piece of good fortune only irritated David; he was sure now that if Robert had continued the fight they would have been in a position to clear themselves.

Still, whatever credit was due the transaction was frankly given to David.

It was his commercial instinct that had divined the opportunity and seized it, and a short item in the "Glasgow Herald" spoke in a cautiously flattering way of the affair.
Both John and David were greatly pleased at the circumstance.