"You can't get rid of the debts by burning the bills."

"That's true," said Charnock with a grin. "Unfortunately obvious, in
fact! However, I cut up my account book."

"I don't see how that would help."

"My creditors can now amuse themselves by finding out how I stand."

Festing frowned impatiently. "A rather childish trick! It doesn't strike
me as humorous."

"You're a disgustingly serious fellow," Charnock rejoined. "But you
might be a bit sympathetic, because I've had a nasty knock. My creditors
have come down on me, and I'm going to be married."

Festing smiled. He had some sense of humor, and Charnock's manner seemed
to indicate that he felt he was confronted with two misfortunes.

"You must have known your creditors would pull you up unless you came
to terms with them, but one would expect you to please yourself about
getting married."

"I'm not sure your joke's in good taste," Charnock answered sullenly.
"But in a way, one thing depended on the other. Perhaps I oughtn't to
have said so, but I'm upset to-night. Though I did expect to be pulled
up, it was a knock."

"No doubt. Are you going to marry Sadie?"