Was there ever a man who did as much as you have done in literature and then sank into hopeless poverty ?' 'Oh, many!' 'But at your age, I mean.

Surely not at your age ?' 'I'm afraid there have been such poor fellows.

Think how often one hears of hopeful beginnings, new reputations, and then--you hear no more.

Of course it generally means that the man has gone into a different career; but sometimes, sometimes--' 'What ?' 'The abyss.' He pointed downward.

'Penury and despair and a miserable death.' 'Oh, but those men haven't a wife and child! They would struggle--' 'Darling, they do struggle.