Supposing Herbert’s debts to be one hundred and sixty-four pounds four-and-twopence, I would say, “Leave a margin, and put them down at two hundred.” Or, supposing my own to be four times as much, I would leave a margin, and put them down at seven hundred. I had the highest opinion of the wisdom of this same Margin, but I am bound to acknowledge that on looking back, I deem it to have been an expensive device. For, we always ran into new debt immediately, to the full extent of the margin.
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 34. Social climbing proves to be an expensive business for Pip. Wanting to live up to the image of a gentleman, Pip has been spending money extravagantly and leading Herbert to do the same. Pip incurs expenses way beyond his means and runs up considerable debts, as does Herbert.