I called in just now to see Mrs.
Ashton, and he spoke to me about you." "Very kind of him, I'm sure!" retorted Val.

"It is just this, Edward.

He is vexed at what he calls my idle ways, and waste of time: as if I need plod on, like a city clerk, six days a week and no holidays! I know I must do something before I can win Anne; and I will do it: but the doctor need not begin to cry out about cancelling the engagement." "How much do you owe, Val ?" "I can't tell." Lord Hartledon thought this an evasion.

But it was true.

Val Elster knew he owed a great deal more than he could pay; but how much it might be on the whole, he had but a very faint idea.
"Well, Val, I have told the doctor I shall look into matters, and I hope to do it efficiently, for Anne's sake.