So he sauntered through the house as far as the library, and drawing a cheque-book from one pocket, fished out a memorandum-book from another, and began to cast up totals with a view to learning something about the various debts contracted at Shotover.
He seemed to owe everybody.

Fortune had smitten him hip and thigh; and, a trifle concerned, he began covering a pad with figures until he knew where he stood.

Then he drew a considerable cheque to Major Belwether's order, another to Alderdene.

Others followed to other people for various amounts; and he was very busily at work when, aware of another presence near, he turned around in his chair.

Sylvia Landis was writing at a desk in the corner, and she looked up, nodding the little greeting that she always reserved for him even after five minutes' separation.
"I'm writing cheques," she said.