I think he was quite well off, but drank and gambled it away.

Papa told me all about it, but I found out he was the man by accident.

He--is the one I am really afraid of." She stopped, her eyes deserting his face, and stared out into the darkness.

He waited, feeling vaguely that he had not heard all she intended to say.
"What more do you know ?" he asked.

"What was it you expected of me ?" She turned again, aroused by the question.
"Yes, I must tell you as quickly as I can, before I am missed.