The Worst House at Sherborough

as reading now--"we've always been good pals, haven't we? and if I didn't tell you before, it was for the simple reason that I didn't know. The thing seemed absolutely safe. I thought I should clear a nice sum and make things easier for you: every one said so: and if I hadn't trusted---- But what's the use of going all over that again? It's done now, I'm ruined absolutely--penniless, and we must face it, you and I. I wish that I could face it out alone (and, of course, I shall eventually pay twenty shillings in the pound); but it wouldn't be the game, would it, for us to spend money till we're straight again? So, as I say, you must leave Sherborough, old man. I'm sorry; you know that; and I'm almost glad that your dear mother didn't live to suffer this blow; but there it is, and we must face it out.

"I wrote off at once to your Head and he has wired back, `Please do nothing final till you have seen me. Suggestion to make.' I'm afraid nothing can be changed, but although you'll be wanting to say good-by