|
CONTENTS. PROLOGUE. PAGE On Deck—Curry and Culture—Alternative Distractions—A Period of Probation—The Oath and the Talisman—Wavering—A Chronological Error—The Time Bargain—Tourmalin Opens an Account 7
TOURMALIN'S FIRST CHEQUE AND HOW HE TOOK IT. Fidelity Rewarded—Love's Catechism—Brain-fag: a Timely Recollection—The Experiment, and some Startling Results—Question Time—"Dear Friends"—A Compromise 29
THE SECOND CHEQUE. Furnishing—A Cosy Corner—"Sitting Out"—Fresh Discoveries—Twice a Hero—Bewilderment and Bathos 48 THE THIRD CHEQUE. Good Resolutions—Casuistry—A Farewell Visit—Small Profit and a Quick Return 63
THE FOURTH CHEQUE. A Blue Moon—Felicity in a Flat— Practical Astronomy—Temptation and a Relapse—The Difficulties Of being Completely Candid—A Slight Misunderstanding—The Avenging Orange 78
PERIODIC DRAWINGS. A Series Of Cheques—Their Advantages and Drawbacks—An Unknown Factor—Uncompleted Confidences—Ibsen, with Intervals—A Disappointment—A "Search Question" from Sophia—Confidence Restored 93
FOIL AND COUNTERFOIL. The Duties Of Authorship—Peter’s Continued Perversity and its Unforeseen Results—"Alfred"—The Tragic Note—An Interrupted Crisis—A Domestic Surprise 114 THE CULMINATING CHEQUE. Sophia. Gives an Explanation, and Requests One—Her Verdict—Peter Overruled 130
PAID IN HIS OWN COIN. In Suspense—A Gleam Of Comfort—Darkness Returns—The Rock Ahead—Sir William Lends his Binocular—Reappearance of an Old Enemy—A New Danger—Out of the Frying-pan 146
COMPOUND INTEREST. Back to the Fire Again—A Magnanimous Return—Catching at Straws—TWO Total Strangers—Purely a Question Of Precedence—"Hemmed in" and "Surrounded"—The Last Chance 163
Dénouement 185 |
