"But there is the rent, father," said Richmond desperately, as the full extent of their position flashed upon her; and she felt impelled to speak. "Ah, yes; the rent. I had forgotten the rent," said the doctor dreamily. "Final and threatening notices have been left about the rates and taxes." "Yes," said the doctor musingly. "The idea is Utopian, but I have often thought how pleasant life would be were there no rents or rates and taxes." "Dear father, I must tell you all my troubles now I have begun," said Richmond, leaving her chair to kneel down before the handsome elderly man, and lay her hand upon his breast. "Certainly, my darling, certainly," he said, bending down to kiss her brow in the most gentlemanly manner, and then caress her luxuriant hair. "They have threatened to cut off both the gas and water." "Tut! tut! how unreasonable, Richmond! Really a severe letter ought to be addressed to the companies' directors." "And, father dear, the tradespeople are growing not only impatient, but absolutely insulting. What am I to do?" "Wait, my darling, wait. Little clouds in our existence while we are attending the breaking forth of the sun. Not long, my dear. I am progressing rapidly with my discovery, and while I shall be extent with the fame, you shall be my dear banker, and manage everything as you do now." "Yes, yes, dear, I will; but it is so sad. No patient seems to come to you now." "No, my dear, no," he replied calmly; "I'm afraid I neglected several, and they talked about it among themselves. These things will spread." "Are there any means left of--pray forgive me, dear--of raising a little money?" "No, my dear, I think not. But don't trouble about it. Any day now I may have my discovery complete, and then--but really, my dear, this is wasting time. I must get on with my work." He rose, and Richmond sighed as with courtly grace he raised her hand and kissed it, smiling it her sadly and shaking his head. "So like your dear mother," he said; "even to the tones of your voice. Don't let me be disturbed, Richmond. I am getting to a critical point." He slowly crossed the room, gazing dreamily before him, and passed out, while his child stood listening to his step along the passage at the back of the side-board till the door of the surgery was heard to close, when, clasping her hands, she gazed up at the Prince Regent, as if he were some kind of a fat idol, and exclaimed passionately, "What shall I do? What shall I do?" A violent twitch made her raise her hand to her face, which was contracted with pain, and she drew her breath hard; but the pang seemed to pass away, and after ringing the bell she began busily to pack the breakfast-things together.