When at last his wandering thoughts came in and gave the trouble shape, he found it took a much more practical form.

He was in debt seven pounds to Mr Frampton.

It never occurred to him to wonder whether Mr Halgrove had been telling him the truth or not, nor to his unbusinesslike mind did it occur that his guardian, as the trustee responsible for what money he once had, was liable for the debt, however much he might like to repudiate it.
No; all he knew was that Mr Frampton was owed seven pounds, and that he himself had nothing, or next to nothing, to pay.

By hard saving during the six months he had managed to save a sovereign, but of this only last week he had spent the greater part in boots and clothing.

Now his worldly wealth consisted of four shillings! He was down early that morning, and was relieved to find that Mrs Trimble was in the parlour alone, without her son.