ted. Jack, I am a beggar!'

A convulsive gulp and a rattling sound in the throat followed the words,
and for a second or two his fixed looks and purple colour made me fear a
fit was approaching. But in a few minutes he recovered his calmness,
and proceeded, still with a broken and tremulous voice, to relate the
circumstances of his altered fortune.

It appeared that many British officers of high rank had involved
themselves deeply in a loan to the Spanish Government, under the faith
of speedy repayment. The varying chances of the Peninsular struggle had
given this loan all the character of a gambling speculation, the skill
in which consisted in the anticipation of the result of the war we were
then engaged in. My father's sanguine hopes of ultimate success induced
him to enter deeply into the speculation, from which, having once
engaged, there was no retreat. Thousand after thousand followed, to
secure the sum already advanced; and at last, hard pressed by the
increasing demands for money, and confident that the first turn of
fortune would lead to repayment, he had made use of the greater part
of my cousin Julia's fortune, whose guardian he was, and in whose hands
this trust-money had been left My cousin would come of age in about four
months, at which time she would be eighteen; and then, if the money were
not forthcoming, the consequences were utter ruin, with the terrific
blow of blasted character and reputation.

There was a sum of ten thousand pounds settled on me by my grandfather,
which I at once offered to place at his disposal.

'Alas, my poor fellow! I have advanced already upwards of thirty
thousand of Julia's fortune! No, no, Jack, I have thought much over
the matter; there is but one way of escaping from this difficulty. By
disposing of these bonds at considerable loss, I shall be enabled to pay
Julia's money. This will leave us little better than above actual want;
still, it must be done. I shall solicit a command abroad; they'll not
refuse me, I know. Lady Charlotte must retire to Bath, or some quiet
place, which in my absence will appear less remarkable. Strict economy
and time will do much. And as to yourself, I know that having once
learned what you have to look to I shall have no cause of complaint on
your score; the duke has promised to take care of you. And now my heart
is lighter than it has been for some months past.'

Before my father had ceased speaking the shock of his news had gradually
s