"It's impossible that I can on this subject, my dear girl. On any other, readily."
As if there were any other in his life! As if his whole career and character were not being dyed one colour!
"But I may ask you a question, Richard?"
"I think so," said he, laughing. "I don't know who may not, if you may not."
"You say, yourself, you are not leading a very settled life."
"How can I, my dear Esther, with nothing settled!"
"Are you in debt again?"

"It's impossible that I can on this subject, my dear girl. On any other, readily."
As if there were any other in his life! "May I ask you a question, Richard? Are you in debt again?"
