All this was against him in the little town of his adoption.
Charlson had been in difficulties, and to oblige him Barnet had put his name to a bill; and, as he had expected, was called upon to meet it when it fell due.

It had been only a matter of fifty pounds, which Barnet could well afford to lose, and he bore no ill-will to the thriftless surgeon on account of it.

But Charlson had a little too much brazen indifferentism in his composition to be altogether a desirable acquaintance.
'I hope to be able to make that little bill-business right with you in the course of three weeks, Mr.Barnet,' said Charlson with hail-fellow friendliness.
Barnet replied good-naturedly that there was no hurry.
This particular three weeks had moved on in advance of Charlson's present with the precision of a shadow for some considerable time.
'I've had a dream,' Charlson continued.

Barnet knew from his tone that the surgeon was going to begin his characteristic nonsense, and did not encourage him.

'I've had a dream,' repeated Charlson, who required no encouragement.