Walpole [quickly] No:  it was to me.

B. B. Certainly not.  Your name was never mentioned between us.  He is so wrapped up in his work that he has to leave her a good deal alone; and the poor innocent young fellow—­he has of course no idea of my position or how busy I am—­actually wanted me to call occasionally and talk to her.

Walpole.  Exactly what he said to me!

B. B. Pooh!  Pooh pooh!  Really, I must say. [Much disturbed, he rises and goes up to the balustrade, contemplating the landscape vexedly].

Walpole.  Look here, Ridgeon! this is beginning to look serious.

Blenkinsop, very anxious and wretched, but trying to look unconcerned, comes back.

Ridgeon.  Well, did you catch him?

Blenkinsop.  No.  Excuse my running away like that. [He sits down at the foot of the table, next Bloomfeld Bonington’s chair].

Walpole.  Anything the matter?

Blenkinsop.  Oh no.  A trifle—­something ridiculous.  It cant be helped.  Never mind.

Ridgeon.  Was it anything about Dubedat?

Blenkinsop [almost breaking down] I ought to keep it to myself, I know.  I cant tell you, Ridgeon, how ashamed I am of dragging my miserable poverty to your dinner after all your kindness.  It’s not that you wont ask me again; but it’s so humiliating.  And I did so look forward to one evening in my dress clothes (theyre still presentable, you see) with all my troubles left behind, just like old times.

Ridgeon.  But what has happened?

Blenkinsop.  Oh, nothing.  It’s too ridiculous.  I had just scraped up four shillings for this little outing; and it cost me one-and-fourpence to get here.  Well, Dubedat asked me to lend him half-a-crown to tip the chambermaid of the room his wife left her wraps in, and for the cloakroom.  He said he only wanted it for five minutes, as she had his purse.  So of course I lent it to him.  And he’s forgotten to pay me.  I’ve just tuppence to get back with.

Ridgeon.  Oh, never mind that—­

Blenkinsop [stopping him resolutely] No:  I know what youre going to say; but I wont take it.  Ive never borrowed a penny; and I never will.  Ive nothing left but my friends; and I wont sell them.  If none of you were to be able to meet me without being afraid that my civility was leading up to the loan of five shillings, there would be an end of everything for me.  I’ll take your old clothes, Colly, sooner than disgrace you by talking to you in the street in my own; but I wont borrow money.  I’ll train it as far as the twopence will take me; and I’ll tramp the rest.

Walpole.  Youll do the whole distance in my motor. [They are all greatly relieved; and Walpole hastens to get away from the painful subject by adding] Did he get anything out of you, Mr Schutzmacher?

Schutzmacher [shakes his head in a most expressive negative].