So long as trade was brisk this mattered little, and he turned his capital over in a fashion that was very pleasing to himself.

But this sudden and totally unexpected collapse of business came upon him at a time when he could ill afford to meet it.

Already he had had to discharge the greater part of his workmen, having nothing for them to do.

The expenses which he could not put down drained his resources in a way that bid fair to bring him to bankruptcy, and it was almost impossible to get in outstanding accounts when the rich persons in his debt had fled hither and thither with such speed and haste that often no trace of them could be found, and their houses in town were shut up and absolutely empty.
"As for Frederick, he spends money like water--and his mother encourages him," groaned the unhappy father in confidence to his friend.

"Ah me! when I look at your fine sons, and see their conduct at home and abroad, it makes my heart burn with shame.