"Are you anxious for a humiliating confession, of vanity, folly and prodigality?
Well, Geoffrey, you shall have it; but mark me--it will only be in general terms--I cannot enter into particulars.

I was born poor, and unexpectedly became rich, and like many persons in like circumstances, I was ashamed of my mean origin; and thought, by making a dashing appearance and squandering lavishly my wealth, to induce men to forget my humble birth.

The world applauds such madness as long as the money lasts, and for a short period, I had friends and flatterers at will.
"My brief career terminated in ruin and disgrace: wealth which is not acquired by industry, is seldom retained by prudence; and to those unacquainted with the real value of money, a large sum always appears inexhaustible.

So it was with me.

I spent, without calculating the cost, and soon lost all.