I would sooner sit in the dark studio and put my question.

Who has given me that thousand pounds ?" _Praed_: "That's _my_ business: _I_ haven't! I shan't give or lend Vivie a penny till she consents to marry me.

As to the rest, take it and be thankful.

You're not certain to get any more and I happen to know it had what you would call a 'clean origin.'" _David_: "You mean it didn't come from those 'Hotels' ?" _Praed_: "Well, at any rate not directly.

Don't be a romantic ass, a tiresome fool, and give me any trouble about it.